Article content

Canada handed over command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) to France at a ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, according to the Canadian Forces. This concludes the second time Canada has commanded one of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) multinational maritime forces in the greater Middle East region.

Canadian Commodore Brian Santarpia relinquished command to Capitaine de vaisseau René-Jean Crignola of the Marine nationale during a formal change of command ceremony held on board the French Ship Var, according to the Canadian Forces news release.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Canada hands over command of Combined Task Force 150 to France Back to video

The deployment was part of Operation ARTEMIS, the Canadian military’s ongoing contribution to counter-terrorism and maritime security operations across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Western Indian Ocean. CTF-150 is one of three multinational naval forces operated by CMF, according to the Canadian Forces.

Photo above shows Commodore Santarpia welcomed on deck by members of the Royal Saudi Naval Force (photo courtesy CTF-150)