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NEWS | Aug. 8, 2019

CTF 64 Welcomes New Commodore

By U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

Commander, Task Force (CTF) 64 welcomed a new commodore during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Aug. 7, 2019. Capt. Shanti Sethi was relieved by Capt. Joe Femino during a ceremony presided over by Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.

"Skilled warfighters like Commodore Shanti Sethi guarantee that the U.S. Navy is prepared to face the many challenges across our dynamic area of responsibility. You and your team's hard work and dedication to the mission and to building relationships with our partners ensured we were always ready to conduct the full spectrum of operations," said Franchetti. "To Capt. Femino, I know you are ready to step right in - you've been working alongside the commodore for many months now and I greatly appreciate the wide variety of expertise you bring to the table."

 

CTF 64's mission is to execute operational and tactical integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), including mission planning, execution, and operational and tactical control of assigned units for commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.

"Leaving any command is a challenge," said Sethi. "What I can say without hesitation is that this tour has been both incredibly challenging and incredibly rewarding. I'm proud of the personal and professional growth that I have experienced in the last 28-months, and even more proud of the officers and Sailors that worked with me - from CTF 64, N34, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Task Force IAMD."

CTF 64 also provides direct support for Aegis ballistic missile defense planning to commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe and commander, Allied Air Command.

"For the CTF 64/N34 staff, you are truly the world's foremost IAMD and TLAM experts who deliver continually without flash, pomp or circumstance," said Femino. "You execute your demanding duties flawlessly and the end results are visible on the scoreboard of success, execution, and support to our National Security Objectives."

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.