CTF-151 Formed

Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) is activated specifically for counter-piracy operations as of 8 Jan 09 by The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). U.S. Navy Rear
Admiral Terence "Terry" McKnight will command the new task force which is to begin operations in mid-January. "Some navies in our [anti-terror] coalition [CTF-150] did not have the authority to conduct counter-piracy missions," said Vice Adm, Bill
Gortney, CMF Commander. "The establishment of CTF-151 will allow those nations to operate under the auspices of CTF-150, while allowing other nations to join CTF-151 to support our goal of deterring, disrupting and eventually bringing to justice the maritime criminals involved in piracy events." U.S. government sources say the operational area for CTF 151 is "in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian
Ocean and the Red Sea." (ONI Worldwide Threat to Shipping, 1/8/09)