Naseem-Al-Bahr 2016 - Visit of Royal Navy of Oman Ships
Naseem-Al-Bahr 2016 - Visit of Royal Navy of Oman Ships
The Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman is conducting a bilateral maritime exercise NASEEM-AL-BAHR in the Arabian Sea from 22-27 Jan 16 off Goa. NASEEM-AL-BAHR epitomises the strong long term strategic relationship between the two countries initiated in 1993, the exercise has matured over the years with increasing scope, complexity of operations and level of participation. The current exercise will be the tenth such exercise.
RNOV Corvette Al-Shamikh
The primary aim of this exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the two navies and develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. The scope of NASEEM-AL-BAHR 16 includes wide-ranging professional interactions during the Harbour Phase at Goa and a diverse canvas of operational activities at sea across the spectrum of maritime operations.
RNOV Fast Attack Craft Al-Seeb
During the exercise, the Indian Navy is representing by INS Trikand and INS Trishul. In addition, Fast Attack Craft, Maritime Patrol Aircraft and integral helicopters are scheduled to participate in the bilateral exercise. The Omani Navy will be represented by RNOV Al-Shamikh, a Corvette and RNOV Al-Seeb, a Fast Attack Craft. The RNO ships arrived in the morning on 22 Jan 16 and will also participate in IFR-16 at Visakhapatnam in early Feb 16. It is relevant to note that these are the first ships from friendly foreign countries to arrive in India prior IFR-16.
Rear Admiral Puneet K Bahl, FOGA and The Commanding Officer of the visiting ship
The exercise will be progressed in two phases, i.e., the Harbour Phase (22-24 Jan 16) at Goa and the Sea Phase (24-27 Jan 16) off Goa. The Harbour Phase would include variety of professional interactions, courtesy calls, social and sporting interactions and planning conference. Various facets of Fleet Operations are planned during the Sea Phase, including navigation and seamanship evolutions, surface firing, force protection and anti-piracy exercises as well as flying operations. The exercise is aimed at deriving mutual benefit from each other’s experiences and sharing best practices. The interoperability achieved over the years as a result of such exercises has proved to be operationally beneficial to both.
Rear Admiral Puneet K Bahl, FOGA and The Commanding Officers of the visiting ships
The exercise will be another milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two navies and will also serve to reinforce the long standing bond of friendship between the two countries. Our increasing naval cooperation is a tangible symbol of the commitment of both nations towards enhancing maritime stability.
