Command of a multinational task force that conducts maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean changed hands today aboard Pakistan Naval Ship Tippu Sultan. Rear Adm. Jean L. Kerignard of the French navy relieved Pakistani Commodore Khan Hasham Bin Saddique as commander of Combined Task Force 150.

The task force, established toward the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, is made up of warships from numerous coalition nations, including France, Germany, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Kerignard said he plans to ensure the coalition continues its united vision of promoting stability in the maritime environment.

This is the French navy’s fifth time leading CTF 150.

Maritime security operations help to set the conditions for security, which promotes stability in the maritime environment, and complements counterterrorism efforts in regional nations’ coastal waters. Coalition forces also conduct operations under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.