Australia gifts boat to Bahrain

The ADF gifted a rigid hull inflatable boat to the Bahrain Defence Force on February 16.

CAPTION: Commander of the Maritime Task Group – Middle East Region Captain Bruce Willington, left, presents the rigid hull inflatable boat to Bahrain Defence Force Captain Adel Salem Almeeri.

Commander of the Maritime Task Group – Middle East Region Captain Bruce Willington presented the boat, which has been used previously as part of maritime security operations to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force.

Head of Planning Department from the Bahrain Defence Force Captain Adel Salem Almeeri reeceived the craft on behalf of Bahrain.

Also at the ceremony was Deputy Commander of the Maritime Task Group – Middle East Region Commander Darren Murphy and Lieutenant Commander Ahmed Hassan from the Bahrain Defence Force.

Captain Willington said the gifting of the boat was a unique symbol of Australia’s commitment to maritime security in the Middle East and represented the strong bond between the nation and Bahrain.

“Australia is proud of our longstanding commitment to maritime security in the Middle East and an enthusiastic supporter of the Combined Maritime Forces charter,” Captain Willington said.

“The presentation of the boat to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force is a physical token of Australia’s ongoing friendship with the people of Bahrain and our defence force cooperation.”

The rigid hull inflatable boat was one of the boats actively used as part of boarding operations during the deployments of RAN ships in support of Operation Manitou.

“This boat has played a part in Australia’s successful operations and I am sure it will continue to provide great service, contributing further to stability and prosperity in the region with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force,” Captain Willington said.

The ADF continues to support maritime security in the Middle East region with a sixteen-strong representation across US Naval Central Command and in the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces.

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