MILITARY personnel from Bahrain and the US are taking part in a 10-day naval exercise that focuses on maritime operations, tactical combat, medical response and search and rescue efforts.
The annual bilateral training event, Exercise Neon Defender, started yesterday in and off the coast of Bahrain with the participation of the BDF, Interior Ministry and the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) based in Manama.
“We are excited to begin the new year training side by side with Bahrain, a longstanding strategic partner,” said Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Brad Cooper.
“Each year, our mutual commitment to regional maritime security and stability strengthens and expands and this year is no different.
“This is a great start to the meaningful bilateral co-operation that we will be demonstrating together in 2023.”
Approximately 200 personnel from the US Navy Marine Corps and Coastguard are taking part, in addition to coastal patrol ships USS Monsoon and USS Chinook.
“We appreciate the opportunity to sharpen our skills alongside our Bahraini partners,” said lead exercise planner Lieutenant Commander Antoni Wyszynski. “This event brings us together and enables us to learn from one another.”
NAVCENT includes maritime forces stationed in Bahrain and operating in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab Al Mandeb.
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