Two Navy Task Force Commanders, who share a common goal of deterring and disrupting piracy, although operating under separate organisations, recently met onboard HNLMS Johan De Witt in the Gulf of Aden.
Pakistan’s Commodore Muhammad Ihsan Qadir, Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, and the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Commodore Peter Lenselink, Commander of  the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR)’s  CTF 465 took the opportunity to discuss the current piracy situation, and ensure that the Commands continue to support and coordinate with each other to deter and defeat piracy in the region.
CTF 151 is part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a partnership of 29 nations dedicated to promoting maritime security in a region that incorporates the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Northern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.
CTF 465 conducts counter-piracy operations in a similar area and is part of EUNAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta, which was established in December 2008.  HNLMS Johan De Witt is the current flagship for the Task Force.
During the meeting, Cdre Lenselink highlighted CTF 465’s participation in the EU’s regional capacity building mission, EUCAP NESTOR, which focuses on improving the situation on land in Somalia and neighbouring countries.
At the same time, leaders from various regions in Somalia were also onboard attending a course aimed at improving maritime capabilities in Somalia.  This, along with other similar efforts, is seen as having a significant impact on improving the situation in Somalia by helping to eliminate the environment that breeds piracy.
Cdre Qadir said “Piracy in this area is on the decline and the combined efforts of CMF, EU, and NATO naval forces have played a major role in the reduction of pirate activity.
“However, we cannot lower our guard.  The continued dedication of the international community is necessary to completely defeat the threat of piracy.”
Via: http://combinedmaritimeforces.com/
