MANAMA, BAHRAN: Pakistan-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) of Combined Maritime Forces’ concluded Focused Operation (FO) SEA SPIRIT on 26 Apr 25. The Focused Operation had participation from naval surface and air assets from 6 nations and supported by European Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR) OP ATALANTA (CTF-465), besides 8 Regional Coordination Centers (RCCs)/ Maritime Security Centers (MSCs). Aimed at combating piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast, Gulf of Aden and Socotra Gap, personnel from 13 CMF partner nations including Bahrain, Brazil, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye and United Kingdom also contributed to the FO.
CMF partner nations Djibouti, Japan, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Spain (as part of CTF-465) and Türkiye deployed their surface and air assets in the FO. RCCs including Djibouti Code of Conduct Jeddah Amendment (DCOCJA) Kenya, CMF’s Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Center (JMICC) Pakistan, Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) Seychelles and partners (Ambrey GOC), Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) Madagascar and United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) Dubai provided valuable contributions to the operation w.r.t informing maritime community. RCOC Seychelles with support from Ambrey GOC contributed to Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) throughout the operation. Liaison with MSC Oman and MSC Indian Ocean was also maintained.
On 21 Apr 25, Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship ASAHI, Pakistan Navy Ship HUNAIN and Republic of Korean Navy Ship MUNMU THE GREAT, all with organic helicopters besides Japanese MPRA (P3C) participated in joint activities. Participating Units conducted Helo Visit Board Search and Seizure (HVBSS) and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills besides tactical maneuvers. These activities were amid to sharpen counter-piracy capabilities and interoperability. Subsequently, ships established Counter-Piracy patrols in their respective areas and Japanese P3C provided ISR throughout the operation.
Djibouti Coast Guard Ship AMBADO, Djibouti Navy Ship CAPT ELMI, Pakistan Maritime Security Ship KOLACHI, Spanish Armada’s REINA SOFIA (with embarked helicopter) under CTF-465, Spanish MPA and Türkiye Navy Task Group comprising Türkiye Navy Ships GIRESUN, GÖKSU and ÜSTEĞMEN ARIF EKMEKÇI also participated in FO SEA SPIRIT.
During the operation, Pakistan Navy Ship HUNAIN provided medical assistance to an Iranian vessel AL-YASIR on 22 Apr 25 that was out at sea for two months and had been operating almost 600 NM from coast. Additionally, Djibouti Coast Guard and Djibouti Navy Patrol Boats intercepted two illegal migrant boats on 22 and 23 Apr 25.
Focused Operation SEA SPIRIT reflected collective resolve for Counter-Piracy and stable seas. During the FO, CMF objectives of deterrence for pirates, reassurance for maritime community and engagement with stakeholders were effectively targeted. Enhanced interoperability with EUNAVFOR OP ATALANTA, Türkiye Navy Coordinated Force and Regional Coordination Centers entailed ops dividends.
CTF-151, established as a multinational task force in January 2009 is one of five task forces under CMF, a 46 Nation international naval partnership. CTF-151’s mission is to deter and suppress piracy and armed robbery to ensure free flow of maritime trade and contribute towards stable seas.
