Saudi-Pak joint naval exercises conclude in Al Jubail waters

Chief of Staff (Personnel), Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem addressing the audience during debrief session of PN-RSNF Joint Naval Exercises Naseem Al Bahr XI and Deraa Al Sahil at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base Al Jubail. (Photo courtesy: Pakistan Navy)

KARACHI: A nine-day exercise between Pakistan Navy (PN) and Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) concluded in Saudi Arabian waters off Al Jubail, it has been announced.
According to a statement released by Pakistan Navy, the exercise — named Naseem Al Bahr XI (NAB) — comprised of practical demonstrations of Fast Boat Attacks, various formations, maneuvering drills, defense against asymmetric attacks using fast boats, Helicopter landings, Boarding Operations, Anti Piracy and joint response to conventional threats at sea.
During the exercise, live weapon firing was also conducted in which PN and RSNF ships successfully engaged their respective targets. Pakistan Navy’s P3C & helicopters conducted joint operations with Saudi Air Force & RSNF Air Arm elements. Mine Counter Measure Exercise (MCM) was also conducted for the first time as part of exercise, the statement said.
During the sea phase of exercise, survey and diving operations and under water demolition of targets were also conducted. This year, Exercise Daraa Al Sahil was also a part of Naseem Al Bahr XI in which Pak Marines and RSNF Marines exercised Amphibious Landing Operations, Escorting Operations, Beach Landing, Sniper Camouflage Training and Boarding Operations. In addition, Small Arms Firing, Cover and Maneuver drills and Para Drop Operations by RSNF Marines were also undertaken.
The exercises were followed by a closing ceremony, held at King Abdul Aziz Naval Base Al Jubail. Chief of Staff (Personnel), where Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem of Pakistan Navy was the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that the first ever conduct of Naseem Al Bahr XI is a manifestation of high level of mutual faith, trust and confidence. “Regular conduct of Exercise Naseem al Bahr between PN and RSNF since 1993 is testimony to the ever increasing cooperation between two brotherly countries in general and navies of both countries in particular. Such interactions will enable both the
navies of the region to jointly ensure maritime security in the IOR,” he said.
The Admiral highlighted Pakistan Navy’s role in counter terrorism and counter piracy operations since 2004 and 2009 respectively in North Arabian Sea (NAS), Gulf of Aden (GOA) and Horn of Africa (HOA). CTF 150 and CTF 151 are demonstration of Pakistan Navy’s commitment and resolve to maintain peace and order at high seas surrounding two countries.
Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem also appreciated the operational capabilities of RSNF Officers and men displayed throughout the exercise and hospitality of RSNF Eastern Fleet Command during stay of PN Flotilla at Port Al Jubail.
Earlier, debrief about conduct of various phases of the exercises was conducted by Pakistan Navy Flag Officer Sea Training representative and RSNF Fleet Training Group. Debrief analyzed performance of all participating units and focused on areas needing improvement, highlighted lessons learnt from various operational activities and recommendations for future exercises. Debrief was also attended by Rear Admiral Laafi Bin Hussain Al Harbi, Commander RSNF Eastern Fleet and a large number of officers from PN and RSNF.