Courtesy Photo | French Vice Adm. Jacques Mazars is welcomed by Vice Adm. David Nichols,...... read more read more
MANAMA, Bahrain --British Royal Navy Commodore Tony Rix turned over command of Task Force (CTF) 150, to French Vice Adm. Jacques Mazars Aug. 17 in Bahrain.
CTF 150 was established near the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom and is comprised of navies from Germany, France, Pakistan, Canada, the United Kingdom and United States, which is under the direction of U.S. Navy Vice Adm. David C. Nichols, Jr., Combined Maritime Forces Component Commander. CFMCC oversees maritime security operations (MSO) in and around the Arabian Gulf, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, parts of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
Mazars, who commanded CTF 150 in the past, was excited to be back at the helm and said the opportunity to ensure peace in the region and be a part of all the accomplishments of CTF 150 is an honor.
"It feels good. I was part of this mission two years ago and now I'm back. So I really appreciate the opportunity to take over from Commodore Rix this time around," said Mazars. "In every region you see maritime operations and it's important to have a presence to protect our assets at sea."
MSO sets the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.
"The mission, fundamentally, is to prevent terrorist from using the sea as a venue for terrorist attacks or an enabler for terrorist attacks ashore," said Nichols.
Nichols said CTF 150, which operates outside the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, is the centerpiece of the coalition forces.
"A large task force operating over a large area conducting maritime security operations will be an increasing important part of naval activity over the coming years," said Rix.
Nichols and his staff received praise from Rix for their continuing support throughout his operations as commander of CTF 150.
"My operation wouldn't have been possible without the support I've received from him and his staff," said Rix.
Rix said his time in command of CTF 150 went extremely fast and noted some positive developments over the last five months.
"Compared to my time 18 months ago, the biggest difference this time around, is we've managed to engage closely with a number of countries. Yemen in particular," said Rix.
CTF 150 also achieved a clearer acknowledgement that there are both direct and indirect links between drugs and terrorism. He said it has been good to see how much MSO has developed over the last couple of months.
Rix also had some encouraging words for Mazars before turning over command.
"There's much more of a team atmosphere and much more seamless battle space," said Rix. "Which I think is working real well right now."
This marks the third time a French admiral has commanded CTF 150 as Mazars takes control.
| Date Taken: | 08.24.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 08.24.2005 14:28 |
| Story ID: | 2826 |
| Location: | MANAMA, BH |
| Web Views: | 537 |
| Downloads: | 425 |
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