World’s largest maritime exercise underway in ME

Manama : The International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX), the largest maritime exercise in the world, kicked off yesterday, with international naval and civilian maritime forces from more than 30 nations spanning six continents training together across the Middle East.

The exercise, organised and led by US Naval Forces Central Command, will run till April 26.

“These participating nations are united by a common thread – the need to protect the free flow of commerce from a range of maritime threats including piracy, terrorism and mines,” said Vice Adm. Kevin Donegan, commander, US Naval Forces Central Command. 

“This region provides a strong training opportunity for nations worldwide as three of the six major maritime chokepoints in the world are here: the Suez Canal, the Strait of Bab Al Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil transits through the Strait of Hormuz every day. Imagine the impact on the global economy if suddenly that oil stops flowing because of restricted sea-lanes. The region is important to the whole world,” he explained.

During the exercise, participants will train to execute defensive operations designed to protect international commerce and trade consisting of mine countermeasures, maritime security operations and maritime infrastructure protection.

“This exercise is also a great opportunity for us to build proficiency and test the latest technology available for ensuring the global maritime commons stay open and secure,” said Donegan. “It also allows us to work with our partners to reinforce adherence to the international rules and accepted behavioural norms expected of professional mariners. If all nations followed these established practices, the result would be a safe and stable maritime global commons with commerce flowing freely for the benefit of the global economy.”

IMCMEX is focused on maritime security from the port of origin to the port of arrival and will include scenarios that range from mine countermeasures, infrastructure protection and maritime security operations in support of civilian shipping.

The exercise began with a symposium. Titled “Maritime Infrastructure Protection,” it aims to bring together governments, militaries and industry to discuss how to provide the necessary foundation of security that supports unrestricted access to the vital maritime infrastructure. 

It will also demonstrate new technologies, such as unmanned underwater vehicles and exercise the sealift capabilities of the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Choctaw County. Exercise operations will include mine countermeasures, diving operations, small-boat exercises, maritime security operations coordinated with industrial and commercial shipping, unmanned underwater vehicle operations, and port clearance operations.

“IMCMEX demonstrates the capability and cooperation of the international community and is not about any one nation or group,” said Commodore William Warrender, Royal Navy, Combined Maritime Forces Deputy Commander and leader of the exercise. “Our aim in IMCMEX 16 is to conduct exercises with our partner nations that allow us to continue to develop our interoperability and capability to ensure that we are ready to meet potential challenges now and in the future.”