Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) is a multinational naval task force, set up in 2009 as a response to piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the eastern coast of Somalia. Its mission is to disrupt piracy and armed robbery at sea and to engage with regional and other partners to build capacity and improve relevant capabilities in order to protect global maritime commerce and secure freedom of navigation. It operates in conjunction with the EU’s Operation Atalanta and NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield. As of 28 Jun 2018, the commander of CTF-151 is Rear Admiral Saw Shi Tat, Republic of Singapore Navy.
Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) protects global maritime trade and enhances maritime security by deterring and disrupting piracy in the Gulf of Aden. To recognise their efforts in fighting piracy beyond Singapore’s shores, the SAF command team was presented with the Overseas Service Medal on 23 November 2018 by Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen. Since 2009, the SAF has contributed to multinational counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Since then, piracy numbers in the area have dropped significantly from its peak of more than 200 attacks in 2011 to zero successful attacks today.
Initially, CTF-151 consisted of the San Antonio, USS Mahan (DDG-72), and HMS Portland (F79), with additional warships expected to join this force. Twenty countries were expected to contribute to the force, including Canada, Denmark, France, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom, all of which have already pledged participation. On 5 April 2009, United States Rear Admiral Michelle J. Howard, assumed command of CTF-151 and Expeditionary Strike Group 2. On 29 May, the Australian Government pledged its support, re-tasking the frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152) from duties in the Persian Gulf to the task force, as well as Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
