MANAMA , Bahrain - Italian Rear Adm. Salvatore Ruzittu, commander, Italian Task Group, addresses the audience during the Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 Transfer of Control ceremony, June 28, aboard USS Nicholas (FFG 47). Ruzittu relieved U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer as commander of CTF 152. This marks the first time that all three of the major maritime CTFs in the region have been commanded by officers from nations other than the U.S. or U.K. CTF 152 is responsible for conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the central and southern Arabian Gulf . Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region. Official U.S. Navy photo by Illustrated Draftsman 2nd Class Danny Asberry.