US, Bahrain hold annual maritime security exercise
Agencies | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain and US military personnel are participating in a 10-day naval exercise on and off the coast of Bahrain. The exercise, which began on Sunday aims at enhancing collaboration and interoperability amount the Bahrain Defence Force, the Ministry of Interior and US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).
“We are very excited to begin the new year training side by side with the Kingdom of Bahrain, a longstanding, strategic partner,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT and US 5th Fleet.
Cooper also leads the Combined Maritime Forces and the International Maritime Security Construct, two U.S.-led international naval coalitions hosted in Bahrain. “Each year, our mutual commitment to regional maritime security and stability strengthens and expands, and this year is no different,” said Cooper.
“This is a great start to meaningful bilateral cooperation we will demonstrate together in 2023.” The exercise will focus on maritime operations, installation defence, expeditionary operations, tactical combat, medical response and search and rescue training. Approximately 200 personnel from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are participating in addition to coastal patrol ships USS Monsoon (PC 4) and USS Chinook (PC 9).
“We appreciate the opportunity to sharpen our skills alongside our Bahraini partners,” said Lt. Cmdr. Antoni Wyszynski, the lead exercise planner. “This event brings us together and enables us to learn from each another.”
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