United States Navy and Royal Bahraini Navy began Neon Defender bi-lateral exercises off the coast of Bahrain. Neon Defender (ND) 23 intends to enhance collaboration and interoperability among the Bahrain Defence Force, Ministry of Interior, and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).
“We are very excited to begin the new year training side by side with the Kingdom of Bahrain, a longstanding, strategic partner,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT and U.S. 5th Fleet.
“Each year, our mutual commitment to regional maritime security and stability strengthens and expands, and this year is no different,” said Cooper. “This is a great start to meaningful bilateral cooperation we will demonstrate together in 2023.”
About 200 personnel from the United States are participating in these exercises along with two Cyclone-class patrol ships, USS Monsoon (PC 4) and USS Chinook (PC 9).
Umair Aslam is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Defense Insight. He has worked as a defense journalist reporting on military modernization programs, defense industry, arms procurement, and emerging technologies.
