Royal Navy Takes Control of Coalition Task Force

"They've had a fantastic tenure out here" - Commodore Steve Moorhouse.

Combined Task Force 150 has appointed a commander from the United Kingdom during a ceremony held at the Naval Support Activity Bahrain on Thursday.

Commodore Steve Moorhouse relieved Commodore Mal Wise of the Royal Australian Navy.

Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) was established in 2002 and is primarily focused on disrupting terrorist organisations and unlawful activities.

It promotes maritime security by denying terrorist organisations their ability to move personnel, weapons or drugs on the seas.

The Australian-led task force had considerable success over the last five months, achieving 19 successful drugs busts at sea in the area known as the ‘Hash Highway’ around the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean.

In total, drugs worth approximately $2.2 billion on the street were seized.

Although the United Kingdom has the lead, they are supported by officers and sailors from Canada, France and New Zealand.

Cdre Moorhouse, commander of CTF 150, said: “Our ambition over the next few months, is to not only seize opportunities but also to create them.

"As part of the CMF family we will engage with international partners, encourage regional cooperation and support capacity building.”

Commander Combined Maritime Forces, Vice Admiral (VAdm) Scott Stearney, United States Navy said: “Commodore Moorhouse is a highly respected Royal Navy officer, with the impressive credentials I require in a CMF task force commander.

“With extensive sea duty experience, keen leadership and tactical foresight, I know that Commodore Moorhouse will lead CTF 150 with the same zeal as his predecessor.

“I have every faith and confidence that his team will be as successful in protecting this great region’s maritime traffic and international waterways.”

Cdre Moorhouse joined the Royal Navy in 1991, qualifying as a helicopter observer, and has subsequently commanded a variety of Royal Navy vessels, including the previous fleet flagship HMS Ocean.

He will also be the first seagoing Captain of the Royal Navy’s second new aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales.