Navy Takes Command Of Multinational Red Sea Task Force

The U.S. Navy has formally handed over command of a multinational naval task force in the Red Sea to the Egyptian navy, reports U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).

On Dec. 12, the Navy turned over command of Combined Task Force 153 (CTF-153) to the Egyptian navy. This is the first time that Egypt has led a combined maritime forces (CMF) operational staff since Cairo joined the naval partnership in 2021.

CTF-153, established in April 2022, is one of four CMF task forces. It is intended to enhance maritime security and capacity-building operations in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden.