Train Neon Defender is an annual bilateral coaching occasion that enhances collaboration and interoperability among the many Bahrain Defence Drive, Ministry of Inside and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). NAVCENT is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“We’re very excited to start the brand new yr coaching aspect by aspect with the Kingdom of Bahrain, a longstanding, strategic associate,” mentioned Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT and U.S. fifth Fleet. Cooper additionally leads the Mixed Maritime Forces and the Worldwide Maritime Safety Assemble, two U.S.-led worldwide naval coalitions hosted in Bahrain.
“Every year, our mutual dedication to regional maritime safety and stability strengthens and expands, and this yr isn’t any totally different,” mentioned Cooper. “This can be a nice begin to significant bilateral cooperation we’ll display collectively in 2023.”
The train will deal with maritime operations, set up protection, expeditionary operations, tactical fight, medical response and search and rescue coaching.
Roughly 200 personnel from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are taking part along with coastal patrol ships USS Monsoon (PC 4) and USS Chinook (PC 9).
“We respect the chance to sharpen our abilities alongside our Bahraini companions,” mentioned Lt. Cmdr. Antoni Wyszynski, the lead train planner. “This occasion brings us collectively and permits us to study from every one other.”
NAVCENT consists of maritime forces stationed in Bahrain and working within the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Crimson Sea, elements of the Indian Ocean and three important choke factors on the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.
