Canada to assume command of Combined Task Force 150

Backgrounder

November 3, 2014

OTTAWA – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence, announced today the upcoming deployment of 24 Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence civilian personnel to Bahrain to lead a multinational naval force operating in the Red Sea region. This headquarters will take over command of the next rotation of Combined Task Force 150 from December 2014 to April 2015.

Quick Facts

This deployment represents Canada’s most recent contribution to Operation ARTEMIS, the CAF’s ongoing support to counter-terrorism and maritime security operations across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and the northwest quadrant of the Indian Ocean.
Through maritime security operations and regional engagements, Combined Task Force 150 works to deter and deny terrorist organisations from using merchant shipping lanes for smuggling weapons, illicit cargo and narcotics while ensuring the safe passage of merchant ships in some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
Commodore Brian Santarpia of the Royal Canadian Navy will assume command of Combined Task Force 150 from December 2014 to April 2015.
The Australian Defence Force will also contribute seven Royal Australian Navy officers to this mission. Captain Nicholas Stoker of the Royal Australian Navy will act as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff.
Command of Combined Task Force 150 is rotated between participant nations on a four to six month basis. Command is currently assumed by Pakistan.

Quotes

“Canada is honoured to have been selected to command Combined Task Force 150 and share this responsibility with the Australian Defence Force. Our government recognizes the threat terrorism poses around the globe, and we will work with our allies to deter terrorism, enhance global security and degrade terrorist organizations wherever they may operate.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence

“The Canadian Armed Forces helps monitor and protect continental and international waters – making sure that the global trade upon which Canada and the world depend can proceed without obstruction and free from terrorism and criminal activity. Partnering with like-minded nations like Australia provides an opportunity for Canada to participate in multilateral operations that further develop interoperability within the coalition.”
Lieutenant-General Jonathan Vance, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

Related Products

Operation ARTEMIS Webgrounder

Associated Links

Combined Maritime Forces website

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Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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2016-12-14

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Canada to assume command of Combined Task Force 150

Backgrounder

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