Indian Navy Assumes Command of CTF 154.
Indian Navy Combined Task Force 154: Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) for the first time, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding role in collaborative maritime security. The development underscores India’s growing commitment to capacity building and cooperative engagement in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
CTF 154 functions under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a 47-nation maritime partnership headquartered in Bahrain. India’s appointment to lead the multinational training task force reflects increasing global confidence in its operational expertise and leadership in maritime affairs.
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Change of Command Ceremony Held in Bahrain
The change of command ceremony was held on February 11, 2026, at the CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. It was presided over by Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, Commander, CMF, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and U.S. Fifth Fleet.
Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, along with senior military leaders from member nations, attended the event. Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, formally took over as Commander of CTF 154 from his Italian Navy predecessor, signifying India’s first leadership role in the task force since its inception.
Focus on Training and Maritime Capacity Building
Established in May 2023, CTF 154 is specifically oriented towards training and capacity development among CMF member nations. Its mission is to enhance regional maritime security through structured multinational training initiatives across the Middle East and adjoining waters.
Indian Navy Assumes Command of CTF 154.
The task force focuses on five core pillars: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development. Through regular Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) events and exercises such as Compass Rose and Northern and Southern Readiness, CTF 154 works to strengthen the operational capabilities of partner navies.
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Part of Broader Multinational Maritime Framework
CTF 154 operates alongside CMF’s other task forces—Combined Task Force 150 (Maritime Security), Combined Task Force 151 (Counter-Piracy), Combined Task Force 152 (Maritime Security in the Arabian Gulf), and Combined Task Force 153 (Maritime Security in the Red Sea).
By assuming command of CTF 154, the Indian Navy reinforces its position as a Preferred Security Partner and signals its intent to deliver high-impact training initiatives. The leadership role is expected to further strengthen global maritime partnerships and contribute to collective efforts against common challenges such as illegal trafficking, piracy, and irregular migration.
The Indian Navy has expressed confidence that its tenure will advance the cause of peace, prosperity, and stability across critical sea lanes in the region and beyond.
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