MANAMA: The Kuwait Naval Force formally handed over command of Combined Task Force 152 to the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces in a ceremony held at the US Navy’s Central Command headquarters in the Kingdom of Bahrain on Saturday.

The ceremony was attended by Commander of the Kuwaiti Naval Force Rear Admiral Saif Al-Hamlan, according to a press statement from the General Staff of the Kuwait Army.

The Kuwait Naval Force had led the task force from August 2024 until September 2025, a period during which it contributed to strengthening maritime security and operational coordination among participating nations, “enhancing the safety of navigation in the Arabian Gulf region,” the statement said. The statement highlighted that the Kuwaiti Navy’s tenure was marked by intensified cooperation with regional and international partners and the exchange of expertise and information, reflecting Kuwait’s active role in supporting global maritime security and stability. The Navy affirmed its commitment to continuing joint efforts within the framework of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and working to “enhance maritime readiness and awareness to face challenges in the region.” — KUNA