Indian Navy Completes Maiden Command of Combined Task Force 154

The Indian Navy completed its maiden command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) on 14 October 2026. It assumed command on 11 February 2026, at the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. Commodore Milind M. Mokashi formally relinquished command at a ceremony in Manama.

Combined Maritime Forces and its task forces

The CMF is a multinational maritime partnership of 47 countries, headquartered in Manama. It conducts maritime security operations and training across key international waterways. Its five task forces are CTF 150, CTF 151, CTF 152, CTF 153 and CTF 154. CTF 154 was established in May 2023 as the CMF’s dedicated multinational maritime training task force. Its mandate centres on professional training and capacity building. The other CMF task forces conduct maritime security operations in areas including the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

Maritime training and capacity building

During the Indian Navy’s eight-month command, CTF 154 oversaw more than 7,800 hours of multinational maritime security training. Personnel from 39 countries took part in activities delivered in virtual, hybrid and in-person formats. The tenure included Operation Compass Rose 26-1 and Operation Southern Readiness 26-2. It also included the inaugural Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Piracy and Armed Robbery, known as SPAR 2026.

Indian Navy command tenure

The command placed an Indian Navy officer at the head of a multinational training task force within the CMF framework. The activities during the tenure covered maritime security training and exchanges among participating countries.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Combined Maritime Forces is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, and comprises 47 partner countries.
• CTF 154 was established in May 2023 as the CMF’s maritime training task force.
• CTF 154 focuses on professional training and capacity building.
• SPAR 2026 was the inaugural Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Piracy and Armed Robbery.

The Indian Navy assumed command of CTF 154 on 11 February 2026 and relinquished it on 14 October 2026. The command was led by Commodore Milind M. Mokashi.