Interior Minister attends conclusion of joint maritime exercise
Manama, Dec. 18 (BNA): General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, attended the conclusion of the joint Coast Guard maritime exercise "Vigilant Guard 14".
The exercise was attended by Lieutenant General Tariq Hassan Al Hassan, Chief of Police, and Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, Commander of United States Naval Forces Central Command and Commander of the Fifth Fleet, along with a number of officials from the Bahrain Defence Force, the National Guard, and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.
The exercise aims to raise the level of readiness and improve response speed by presenting multiple scenarios, enhancing information-gathering and planning capabilities, and effectively executing joint operations, in addition to improving the efficiency of risk assessment through continuous monitoring and surveillance and integrating technological tools into the maritime security system.
Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah was briefed by the Preparation and Control Committee on the course of implementation in light of the exercise’s scenarios, and its role in enhancing decision-making capabilities, rapid response, and teamwork to safeguard maritime security and safety.
"Vigilant Guard 14" is being implemented in accordance with the instructions of the Minister of Interior to conduct continuous, organised and progressive training based on realistic scenarios, culminating in an annual exercise that simulates real-world conditions.
The Coast Guard conducted five main exercises that helped develop skills, enhance coordination and raise the level of operational cooperation, with "Vigilant Guard 14" serving as the conclusion of the training programme for the current year.
The Minister of Interior expressed appreciation to all entities participating in the exercise, including the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and the US Coast Guard, which are participating for the first time. He commended the exercise for being built on realistic scenarios and clearly defined objectives, and also commended the effective field coordination in implementing joint security plans and operations to address maritime challenges.
He noted that such exercises contribute to improving performance, exchanging expertise, and efficiently dealing with challenges related to securing territorial waters, while moving forward in enhancing strategic capabilities. He underlined the importance of continuing training, capacity-building, reviewing procedures, and enhancing cooperation, coordination and joint field operations.
Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah underscored the importance of continuing to enhance maritime security and safety, wishing continued success to all efforts aimed at safeguarding the nation’s security and safety.
