The Royal Navy has taken command of the Combined Maritime Force’s (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, following a handover ceremony with the Royal Australian Navy.
The CMF is part of a multi-national naval partnership which is designed to promote security, stability and prosperity across more than three million square miles of international waters.
The mission of CTF 150 is to disrupt terrorist organisations and their unlawful activities by restricting freedom of manoeuvre at sea. Such disruption includes intercepting narcotics and weapons smuggling that fund terrorist activities.
The vessels also assist mariners in distress and undertake other humanitarian work when required.
Commenting on the new control, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “The UK has one of the strongest navies in the world. Leading this important joint force underlines our commitment, both to working with allies to fight ISIL and to tackling terrorism across the region.”
