Naval facility key to ties and security: CP

Manama : His Royal Highness, Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday hailed the establishment of Britain’s new Naval Support Facility in the Kingdom as a major boost to Kingdom’s long-standing ties with the Royal Navy which span over 200 years. 

Navies, HRH the Crown Prince said, serve as an essential component of any nation’s security architecture. 

“Through their monitoring and patrols, they can readily identify and neutralise threats and ensure that trade routes remain open and secure. They also stand ready to respond to conflict scenarios and humanitarian missions at a moment’s notice,” said the Crown Prince. 

The came as the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister attended the Lord High Admiral’s Parade held at the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth

The event marked the commissioning of 152 officer cadets representing 20 different nationalities. Officer cadets from Bahrain, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Albania, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Singapore and Sri Lanka took part in the Lord High Admiral’s Parade, a signature event at the BRNC college. 

“The challenges are real, your resolve is in no doubt, this is your time,” Prince Salman told the young officers as he presented intake’s winners with prizes and congratulated the newly-commissioned officers. 

Addressing the ceremony, HRH the Crown Prince acknowledged the proud history of the Royal Navy, which, Prince Salman said, has been at the forefront of the United Kingdom’s global role for over four centuries.

“We are proud that these ties have been bolstered and strengthened with the establishment of its new Naval Support Facility, the Royal Navy’s first overseas establishment for over fifty years,” stressed Prince Salman.  

Following the Parade, Captain Jolyon Woodard hosted a navy reception during which His Royal Highness met a group of young officers and this intake’s prize winners.

Speaking on the occasion, HRH CP told that cadets that the “challenges you’ll face will be varied, they will often be complex and, once overcome, they will be incredibly rewarding.”

“As officers, the responsibility to those under your command will be paramount. Armed forces demand strong, thoughtful, and considered leadership.” 

His Royal Highness praised the Commanding Officer of BRNC, Captain Jolyon Woodard ADC Royal Navy, and all his staff for the tremendous work and support they provided to the cadets during their time at Dartmouth.