Maritime Forces from Iraq, Kuwait, and the United States joined together in a two-day training exercise focused on countering piracy and maritime security in the Northern Arabian Gulf on October 3rd. The Sentinel-class U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) and USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. (WPC 1146) teamed up with Kuwait Coast Guard patrol boat Waadhah (P 316), Kuwait Coast Guard special boat (400), Kuwait Navy supply ship KNS Al-dorraar, Kuwait Navy patrol boat KNS Failaka, Kuwait Navy coastal patrol boat KNS Bateel 3, and KNS Bateel 4, a Kuwaiti helicopter, Iraqi Navy patrol boat PB-307, and Iraqi Navy patrol boat PB-310 to conduct joint patrols focusing on visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) procedures, small boat operations, fisheries safety, and communication equipment checks, among many maritime security concerns.
“What makes this exercise valuable is the opportunity to take advantage of the wide breadth of knowledge, experience, and VBSS tactics together. Exercises like this continue to strengthen our regional partnerships, maintain and improve our ability to integrate seamlessly with our allies, and improve our skill sets in the maritime domain,” said Lt. Hunter Stowe, Goldman’s commanding officer.
“Kuwaiti naval forces cooperate and coordinate with regional navies to ensure maritime security in the Northern Arabian Gulf,” said Maj. Gen. Hazza AlAlati, Commander Kuwait Naval Force.
“Our exercises, working alongside U.S. 5th Fleet, Kuwait, and Iraq Navies, ensure the security and safety of the maritime domain in the Northern Arabian Gulf,” said Maj. Gen. Talal Almouwanes, Commander Kuwait Coast Guard.
An Iraqi vessel approached the Sentinel-class U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) during a training exercise in the Arabian Gulf, October 2.
The aim of this exercise is to enhance skills, develop training capabilities, maintain preparedness, and readiness, exchanging experiences between the participating forces, and strengthening international relationships within the framework of cooperation and coordination for joint action,” he said.
This training builds upon previous VBSS engagement training conducted between similar vessels, including VBSS drill repetitions and, for the first time, conducting VBSS exercises aboard Kuwaiti ships. Since that time, the exercises have grown in complexity and are more focused on regional needs. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations (AOO) encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 21 countries, includes critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Kuwaiti and Iraqi vessels take part in a training exercise in the Arabian Gulf, October 2.
