Pakistani Admiral Becomes Commander of Maritime Task Force
Pakistan Navy's Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Mohammad Haroon Hi, addresses the crowd during a change of command ceremony for Commander Combined Task Force One Five Zero (CTF-150) aboard HNLMS De Zeven Provincien (F802). Pakistani Rear Adm. Shahid Iqbal relieved Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Hank Ort as CTF-150. U.S. Pakistani Rear Adm. Shahid Iqbal relieved Royal Netherlands Navy Commodore Hank Ort as commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 during a change of command ceremony aboard HNLMS De Zeven Provincien (F802) at the port of Mina Salman, Bahrain, April 24. The change of leadership marks the first time an officer of a regional nation has assumed command of any of the three coalition task forces that comprise the Combined Maritime Force.
Oil Spill Containment Demonstration Supports Gulf Cooperation, Readiness
Two U.S. Navy ships, along with Bahraini Coast Guard emergency management teams, participated in a proof-of-concept demonstration April 29 off the port of Mina Salman. USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) executed the proof of concept, which entailed simulating an oil spill and conducting the subsequent containment and recovery. During the demonstration, McCampell Sailors simulated the shipboard responses to an oil spill, including launching rigid-hull inflatable boats, assembling a hose team and using hazardous material (HAZMAT) apparatus, while Catawba Sailors launched an offshore boom (floating barrier) intended to contain a large spill at sea.
