The command of the joint US and UK maritime task force has been changed for the first time since it was established in January to help the Iraqi Navy patrol territorial waters.

During a ceremony held aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain last week, UK Royal Naval Commodore James Morse replaced US Rear Admiral Thomas Cropper as Commander of the Combined Task Force Iraqi Maritime (CTF IM).

CTF IM was established to help the Iraqi Navy protect its territorial waters and offshore oil platforms.

CTF IM has been assisting the Iraqi Navy in training, providing security to their oil platforms and maintaining stability in the area.