The US Navy, the British Royal Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) have taken part in a mine countermeasures (MCM) interoperability training in the Arabian Gulf.
The training provided the three navies with an opportunity to boost mutual interoperability during mine-hunting missions and communications, as well as strengthen partnerships by closely working with regional partners.
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It follows another iteration of the MCM training, which was conducted in June.
Task Force 52 deputy commander UK Royal Navy captain Don Crosbie said: “This second round of training allowed us to refine our MCM procedures as a combined team.
“Building cohesion is the best way to continuously increase our defensive capabilities as a coalition.”
The RSNF asset that participated in the training was the mine countermeasures vessels Al-Shaqra (MCMV 422), while HMS Brockelsby (M 33) represented the Royal Navy.
In additon, the US Navy deployed its USS Dextrous (MCM 13).
Aerial mine hunting support was provided by an MH-53E Sea Dragon, which is attached to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15.
Additionally, the RSNF Mine Warfare Center offered command and control from King Abdulaziz Naval Base in Jubail, Saudi Arbia, in support of the training.
Earlier this month, maritime forces from Australia, India, Japan, and the US wrapped up the second phase of the Exercise Malabar 2020.
