**Executive Summary**
The Indian Navy assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 on 11 Feb 2026 at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. Cmde Milind M Mokashi of the Indian Navy took over as Commander CTF 154 from the outgoing Commander of the Italian Navy. CTF 154 is a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) dedicated to enhancing maritime security.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Command & Ceremony**
* The Indian Navy has assumed command of CTF 154.
* The change of command occurred on 11 Feb 2026.
* The ceremony was held at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain.
* Cmde Milind M Mokashi of the Indian Navy took over as Commander CTF 154.
* **CTF 154 Overview**
* CTF 154 is a key multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).
* It was established in May 2023.
* It is oriented towards training and capacity building of member nations of CMF.
* CTF 154 is dedicated to enhancing maritime security through multinational training programs across the Middle East and wider region.
* The command reflects India's role as a Preferred Security Partner among the 47 nations of the CMF.
* **Training Focus**
* Training focuses on five core pillars:
* Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
* Law of the Sea
* Maritime Interdiction Operations
* Maritime Rescue and Assistance
* Leadership Development.
* The task force conducts regular Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) events and exercises.
* These activities build partner nations' operational capabilities against threats like illegal trafficking, piracy, and irregular migration.
* **Operational Context**
* CTF 154 operates alongside CMF's other task forces: CTF 150, CTF 151, CTF 152 and CTF 153.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Indian Navy**
**Impact**: Assumes responsibility for leading and managing CTF 154, increasing its role in regional maritime security.
**Action Required**: Deliver high-impact training initiatives and reinforce global maritime partnerships.
**Stakeholder: CMF Member Nations**
**Impact**: Will participate in CTF 154 training programs to enhance their maritime security capabilities.
**Action Required**: Engage in training programs and exercises.
**Stakeholder: Middle East and Wider Region**
**Impact**: Increased maritime security through enhanced training and capacity building.
**Action Required**: Support and collaborate with CTF 154 initiatives.
Key Entities Referenced
Combined Task Force (CTF) 154: A key multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), currently commanded by the Indian Navy.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF): The organization under which CTF 154 operates, encompassing multiple task forces.
Indian Navy: The naval force of India, which has assumed command of CTF 154.
Manama, Bahrain: Location of CMF Headquarters, where the change of command ceremony took place.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVY ASSUMES FIRST-EVER
COMMAND OF COMBINED TASK FORCE (CTF)
154
Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 10:39AM by PIB Delhi
In a landmark development underscoring India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security and
capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, the Indian Navy has assumed command of
Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a key multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime
Forces (CMF).
The change of command ceremony was conducted on 11 Feb 2026 at CMF Headquarters in Manama,
Bahrain, and was presided over by VAdm Curt A Renshaw, Commander, CMF / US NAVCENT / US Fifth
Fleet. VAdm Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), Indian Navy, and senior military
leaders from other member nations were in attendance. Cmde Milind M Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, of
the Indian Navy, formally took over as Commander CTF 154 from the outgoing Commander of the
Italian Navy.
CTF 154 is specifically oriented towards training and capacity building of member nations of CMF. It
reflects the region's growing trust in India’s professional expertise, operational experience, and a role as a
Preferred Security Partner among the 47 nations of the CMF.
CTF 154, established in May 2023, is dedicated to enhancing maritime security through multinational
training programs across the Middle East and the wider region.
The training focuses on five core pillars: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Law of the Sea,
Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development. The
task force conducts regular Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) events, exercises like
Compass Rose and Northern/Southern Readiness, and outreach to build partner nations’ operational
capabilities against common threats such as illegal trafficking, piracy, and irregular migration.
CTF 154 operates alongside CMF’s other task forces: CTF 150 (Maritime Security), CTF 151 (Counter-
Piracy), CTF 152 (Maritime Security in Arabian Gulf) and CTF 153 (Maritime Security in Red Sea).
The Indian Navy looks forward to a productive tenure, delivering high-impact training initiatives and
reinforcing global maritime partnerships for peace, prosperity, and security._____________________________________________________________
VM/SPS 24/26
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