RIYADH – Exercise Naseem Al Bahr XI (NAB), between Pakistan Navy and RoyalSaudi Naval Forces (RSNF) concluded in Saudi Arabian waters off Al Jubail,KSA.
The Exercise was scheduled from 09 to 17 Feb 18.
The exercise NAB comprised of practical demonstrations of Fast BoatAttacks, various formations, maneuvering drills, defence against asymmetricattacks using fast boats, Helicopter landings, Boarding Operations, AntiPiracy and joint response to conventional threats at sea.
Live Weapon Firing was also conducted in which PN and RSNF shipssuccessfully engaged their respective targets. PN P3C & helicoptersconducted joint operations with Saudi Air Force & RSNF Air Arm elements.
Mine Counter Measure Exercise (MCM) was also conducted for the first timeas part of exercise NAB. During the sea phase of MCM Exercise, Survey andDiving Operations and under water demolition of targets were also conducted.
This year, Exercise Deraa Al Sahil was also a part of Naseem Al Bahr XI inwhich Pak Marines and RSNF Marines exercised Amphibious Landing Operations,Escorting Operations, Beach Landing, Sniper Camouflage Training andBoarding Operations.
In addition, Small Arms Firing, Cover and Maneuver drills and Para DropOperations by RSNF Marines were also undertaken.
PN-RSNF Joint Naval Exercises were followed by a closing ceremony, held atKing Abdul Aziz Naval Base Al Jubail. Chief of Staff (Personnel), ViceAdmiral Abdul Aleem of Pakistan Navy was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
While addressing the debrief/ closing ceremony, Chief Guest said that thefirst ever conduct of Naseem Al Bahr XI including Mine Counter Measure(MCM) and Deraa Al Sahil exercises in Saudi Arabian waters at mega scale isa manifestation of high level of mutual faith, trust and confidence.
Regular conduct of Exercise Naseem al Bahr between PN and RSNF since 1993is testimony to the ever increasing cooperation between two brotherlycountries in general and navies of both countries in particular. Suchinteractions will enable both the navies of the region to jointly ensuremaritime security in the IOR.
The Admiral highlighted Pakistan Navy’s role in counter terrorism andcounter piracy operations since 2004 and 2009 respectively in North ArabianSea (NAS), Gulf of Aden (GOA) and Horn of Africa (HOA). CTF 150 and CTF 151are demonstration of Pakistan Navy’s commitment and resolve to maintainpeace and order at high seas surrounding two countries.
The Chief Guest also appreciated the operational capabilities of RSNFOfficers and men displayed throughout the exercise and hospitality of RSNFEastern Fleet Command during stay of PN Flotilla at Port Al Jubail.
Earlier, debrief about conduct of various phases of the exercises wasconducted by Pakistan Navy Flag Officer Sea Training representative andRSNF Fleet Training Group.
Debrief analyzed performance of all participating units and focused onareas needing improvement, highlighted lessons learnt from variousoperational activities and recommendations for future exercises. Debriefwas also attended by Rear Admiral Laafi Bin Hussain Al Harbi, CommanderRSNF Eastern Fleet and a large number of officers from PN and RSNF.