US Navy hosts Omani Naval Commander and top officials in Bahrain

TDT | Manama                                                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) welcomed Oman’s top naval commander to the US Navy base in the Kingdom of Bahrain on May 7, coinciding with the start of an Oman-led maritime exercise in the Gulf of Oman.

The visit to the US Navy base in Bahrain entailed senior Omani officials meeting with leaders from the US fleet, Combined Maritime Forces, and the International Maritime Security Construct.

Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, US 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, hosted Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser bin Mohsin Al Rahbi and other senior Omani officials for discussions on strengthening regional maritime security.

Forces from France, Japan, and the UK will all participate in the week-long exercise, and training will focus on mine counter-measures, explosive ordinance disposal, maritime interdiction, and other combined naval operations.

Cooper said that Oman is an important regional maritime partner, and “it was a pleasure hosting discussions on our shared vision for advancing cooperation among forces at sea.” “ We look forward to strengthening our collaboration in the days ahead,” the commander said.