Saudi Arabia Hands Over Command of Combined Task Force 152 to Kuwait

The Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) handed over the command of Combined Task Force 152 (CTF 152) to its Kuwaiti counterpart in a ceremony at the US Naval Support Activity Bahrain, home to US Fifth Fleet. Capt. Talal Alkandri of the Kuwaiti Naval Forces assumed leadership of CTF 152 from Capt. Assem Alamri of the RSNF. During RSNF's command, CTF 152 conducted various specialized operations to enforce maritime security, ensure the safe passage of global shipping, and combat criminal and terrorist activities. The operations included joint maritime exercises, patrols, focused missions, as well as command center training and vessel inspection courses with US forces. Established in 2004, CTF 152 is one of five task forces operated by the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain aiming to bolster regional maritime cooperation, enhance maritime security in the Arabian Gulf, safeguard international waters, and counter illicit activities and terrorist threats. Source: Saudi Press Agency