MANAMA, Bahrain- Rear Adm. John Miller, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, salutes U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, as Spicer turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 to Italian Rear Adm. Salvatore Ruzittu during a transfer of control ceremony aboard USS Nicholas (FFG 47), June 28. 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 Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Carolla Bennett.