Commodore Dan Charlebois of the Royal Canadian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) today, during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain. Commodore Charlebois assumed command from Rear Admiral Sulieman Al Faqeeh of the Royal Saudi Navy.
Operation ARTEMIS is the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contribution to CTF 150, a multinational task force conducting maritime security and counter-terrorism operations in Middle Eastern waters.
Canada has deployed 31 CAF personnel and one Department of National Defence civilian employee to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) Headquarters in Bahrain to lead CTF 150 until July 2021. Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Calgary is expected to join this Op ARTEMIS deployment in spring 2021.
Commanding CTF 150 reflects Canada's commitment to work with its partners to tackle the global terrorist threat and demonstrates the confidence of our allies and coalition partners in the CAF's ability to lead multinational forces.
Quotes
"I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead this dedicated group of joint Canadian-Australian professionals who comprise CTF 150. Together, in support of our coalition goals, we will strive to continue to ensure the protection and security of Middle Eastern waters. My team will continue to strengthen our relationships with our maritime partners, to progress our interoperability, and to provide a robust security presence to some of the world's most challenging and important international waters."
Commodore Dan Charlebois, Commander Combined Task Force 150
"I am proud to see Canada take the lead of CTF 150 yet again. This is a clear demonstration of the confidence our partners have in the manifest expertise and professionalism of the Canadian Armed Forces. Our participation, and continued presence in the Middle East, highlights Canada's enduring commitment to maritime security and stability in the region and around the world. Canadians, as well as our partners and allies, all benefit from the legitimate global trade that is protected by efforts like those of Op ARTEMIS, which reduce the threat of terrorism and illegal activities in Middle Eastern waters and beyond."
Lieutenant-General Christopher Coates, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
Quick facts
-
CTF 150 is one of three multinational naval task forces operated by CMF:
- CTF 150, responsible for maritime security and counter-terrorism;
- CTF 151, responsible for counter-piracy; and
- CTF 152, responsible for maritime security in the Arabian Gulf.
-
Canada is a member of CMF and has been periodically contributing to CTF 150 through Canadian warships and/or staff operating at CMF Headquarters since the beginning of the partnership in 2001.
-
This is Canada's fifth command of CTF 150, a multinational task force dedicated to countering terrorism and promoting maritime security. Canada was in Command of CTF 150 during the dates noted below:
- 3 Jun 2008 - 15 Sept 2008
- 4 Dec 2013 - 6 Apr 2014
- 8 Dec 2016 - 13 Apr 2017
- 6 Dec 2018 - 28 Apr 2019
-
Canada has been a part of CTF 150 for two decades, starting in 2001 to 2003 as part of Operation APOLLO, and later from 2004 to 2008, where seven Royal Canadian Navy ships served with CTF 150 on Operation ALTAIR. The mission officially changed its name to Operation ARTEMIS in 2012, and has been called such ever since.
-
The Canadian command contingent is supported by personnel of the Royal Australian Navy. The combined nature of this team demonstrates the close relationship between Australia and Canada as well as our shared values and interests.
-
CTF 150, as part of CMF, is a multinational coalition that can comprise contributors from 33 nations. Participation is voluntary, and no nation is asked to carry out any duty that it is unwilling to conduct. CTF 150, as part of CMF, is not a defensive alliance or law enforcement agency, nor is it bound by treaty.
