The U.S. Navy turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 to the Italian Navy during a change of command ceremony at the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquarters here, April 3. Italian Navy Capt. Roberto Messina assumed command from U.S. Navy Capt. David Coles, who has commanded CTF 153 since November.

This is the third time Italy has assumed command of CMF task force since the 42-nation maritime partnership was established in 2002. Established on April 17, 2022, CTF 153 is one of five task forces under CMF. It is responsible for maritime security operations in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and western Gulf of Aden in order to deter and impede illicit non-state actors.