Interior Minister highlights importance of sea navigation protection at joint exercise

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The Interior Minister, His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, emphasised the critical importance of sustaining maritime security and safety during the conclusion of the joint Coast Guard exercise, “Vigilant Guard 14”, held this week.

“Maintaining readiness and safeguarding our territorial waters is a national priority that demands continuous coordination and training,” H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah said.

“These exercises enhance operational capabilities and strengthen strategic partnerships, ensuring our maritime security remains robust and effective.”

Distinguished guests

Present at the event were the Chief of Police, Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan, and the Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command and Commander of the Fifth Fleet, Vice Admiral Curt A. Renshaw, along with several officials from the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), the National Guard, and the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications.

The exercise aimed to increase preparedness and improve response speed through realistic, scenario-based training.

Participants focused on enhancing information-gathering, risk assessment, rapid decision-making, and the integration of advanced technological tools into maritime operations.

Cooperation

H.E. the Interior Minister commended the effective field coordination and cooperation demonstrated during the exercise, noting that such training facilitates knowledge exchange and strengthens strategic capabilities to address maritime challenges.

He expressed appreciation to all participating entities, highlighting the first-time involvement of the US Coast Guard, and emphasised the ongoing need for capacity-building, reviewing procedures, and conducting joint operations to safeguard Bahrain’s waters.

H.E. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah was briefed by the Preparation and Control Committee on the course of implementation in light of the exercise’s scenarios.

“Vigilant Guard 14” is being implemented in accordance with the Instructions of H.E. the Interior Minister to conduct continuous, structured, and progressive training based on realistic scenarios.

It culminates in an annual exercise that simulates real-world conditions.

In this context, the Coast Guard conducted five main exercises to develop skills, enhance coordination, and increase operational cooperation, with “Vigilant Guard 14” serving as the conclusion of the training programme for the current year.