The operation began on 15 June 1993. He is assisted by Rear Admiral Gianfranco Coviello, Italian Navy, as Deputy CCTF 440. Admiral Angeli is the Commander of Allied Naval Forces Southern Europe. As CCTF 440, his staff has been complemented by a WEU staff element. A third task group has responsibility for ships conducting training or port visits.
Operational responsibilities rotates among the task group commanders.
Currently, the two operational CTG commanders at present are Commodore Alastairs Ross, UKN and Rear Admiral Elio Bolongaro, Italian Navy. The third task group is commanded by RAdm. James R. Stark, US Navy. Maritime Patrol Aircraft operate under operational control of CCTF 440 through the Commander of Combined Task Force 431, Rear Admiral John Coleman, U.S. Navy. Eight Italian Air Force Tornado aircraft are available to support operation Sharp Guard from their home-base at Gioia del Colle.