The Indian Navy has taken command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a key multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). Commodore Milind M Mokashi, recipient of the Shaurya Chakra from the Indian Navy, formally assumed command of CTF 154 from the outgoing commander of the Italian Navy. The Ministry of Defence announced that the change of command ceremony was held at the CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, and Commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command, Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw.
CTF 154 is specifically focused on training and capacity building for the member nations of the CMF. This reflects the region's growing trust in India's professional expertise, operational experience, and role as a preferred security partner among the 47 nations within the CMF.