The Indian Navy successfully completed its eight-month Command of Combined Maritime Forces Task Force CTF 154, marking significant milestones in multinational maritime training, capacity building, and collaborative security. The ceremony took place on October 14, 2026, in Manama, Bahrain.
On October 14, 2026, the Indian Navy successfully completed its eight-month tenure as Commander of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Task Force CTF 154. This accomplishment was marked by a ceremony held in Manama, Bahrain.
The ceremony was attended by VAdm Curt A Renshaw, Commander Combined Maritime Forces; HE Dr Pradeep Singh Rajpurohit, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain; Cmde Khalid Jasim Althawadi, Naval Sector Commander, Royal Bahrain Naval Force; Cmde Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces; and senior representatives of CMF Headquarters and Partner Nations.
VAdm Manish Chadha, Director General Naval Operations, Indian Navy, participated through video teleconferencing. During the ceremony, Cmde Milind M Mokashi, formally relinquished Command of CTF 154 and handed over responsibilities to Commander Melissa Desjardins, Deputy Commander CTF 154, who received Command on behalf of CMF Headquarters.
Established in May 2023, CTF 154 is CMF’s dedicated multinational maritime training Task Force, mandated to enhance professional competencies, interoperability and capacity development among Partner Nations. The Indian Navy assumed Command of CTF 154 on February 11, 2026, becoming the first Indian Navy contingent to lead a CMF Task Force.
During its tenure, the Indian Navy-led CTF 154 conducted 20 Staff Enhancement Training engagements, two major multinational training exercises and the inaugural Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Piracy and Armed Robbery (SPAR 2026). These initiatives collectively generated over 7,800 training hours with personnel from participating in CTF 154 activities.
The Staff Enhancement Training and SPAR engagements alone recorded over 1,100 participant attendances, reflecting the scale and reach of the training initiatives undertaken during the Command. A major highlight was Operation Compass Rose 26-1, adapted to a fully virtual format in view of the prevailing regional security environment.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, conducted at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20 to 23 Jul 2026, marked the first major CMF training exercise hosted by India. The exercise witnessed participation of 276 personnel from 27 countries and generated approximately 3,800 training hours.
During the Command tenure, CTF 154 also expanded its engagement with regional partners and specialised institutions.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
