Pakistan, US navies conduct joint drill to ensure maritime security

ISLAMABAD: The US Navy ships, Whirlwind (PC-11) and Squall (PC-11), visited Karachi Port and conducted joint drills with Pakistan Navy ships reflecting the strong relationship and cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and US 5th Fleet, Pakistan Navy DGPR said on Thursday.

As per press release PN spokesman, said that Navy ships, areal assets and SSG commandos took part in the joint drill.

As per the US Navy, while in Karachi, the crewmembers are slated to conduct visit, board, search and seizure training with the Pakistan Navy.

“We are extremely excited to visit Pakistan as we build our relationship and sharpen our competitive edge in a very dynamic region,” said Lt Cmdr Martin Dineen, commanding officer of Whirlwind.

Squall and Whirlwind are transiting the Middle East region in support of naval operations that ensure maritime security and stability.

On Jan 18, Pakistan Navy Commodore Vaqar Muhammad assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, one of three task forces under Combined Maritime Forces that operates outside the Arabian Gulf to disrupt illicit activities by criminal organizations, including the illegal transport of
drugs, weapons and people.

“As we strengthen this partnership with Pakistan, we are able to build trust through valuable cross training and deliver a robust interdiction capability to the Pakistani commander of CTF 150,” said Lt. Cmdr. Todd Strong, commanding officer of Squall.

The US 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 21 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Pertinent to note that last Nov, sailors and marines aboard USS Pearl Harbor arrived in Karachi, Pakistan and conducted joint drills in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region.