Sri Lanka Navy assumes command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154

The Sri Lanka Navy assumed command of Combined Maritime Forces’ Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 in Manama, Bahrain on January 26.

Egyptian Navy’s Commodore Haytham Khalil who previously led Combined Task Force 154 handed over command to Commodore Manjula Hewa Bettage of the Sri Lanka Navy. 

CMF headquartered in Bahrain is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes, the Sri Lanka Navy stated.  

Sri Lanka became the 39th member of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational maritime coalition comprising 46 member states, in November 2023. Following its induction as a member of the Combined Maritime Forces, the Sri Lanka Navy was privileged to command the CTF 154. This milestone not only marks a significant turning point in the Navy's 74-year-long journey but also highlights its growing prominence on the global maritime stage. The opportunity to contribute to CTF 154's training activities aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of partner navies for improved maritime security in the Middle-East region is a significant recognition for the Sri Lanka Navy. This will further establish its reputation as a navy capable of conducting operations across an expansive international maritime domain.

CTF 154 leads multinational maritime training across the Middle-East. It organizes training events around five core areas such as maritime awareness, maritime law, maritime interdiction, maritime rescue and assistance, and leadership development. Training programmes are customized to address partner needs, offering both basic and advanced levels. The core team of CTF 154 includes representatives from Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Seychelles, Türkiye, and the United States.

The change of command ceremony was also attended by the Commander Combined Maritime Forces, U.S. Navy, Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff, Chargé d'Affairesa.i. of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Ms. Madhuka Silva and a group of senior officials and naval representatives from member states of the Combined Maritime Forces.