Head of Planning Department from the Bahrain Defence Force, Captain Adel Salem Almeeri, received the RHIB, which was previously deployed in maritime security operations.

The handover ceremony was also attended by Deputy Commander of the Maritime Task Group, MER, Commander Darren Murphy and Lieutenant Commander Ahmed Hassan from the Bahrain Defence Force.

CAPT Willington said the delivery reflects Australia’s commitment to maritime security in the Middle East and represented the shared bond between the nations.

“Australia is proud of our longstanding commitment to maritime security in the Middle East and an enthusiastic supporter of the Combined Maritime Forces charter,” he 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 co-operation.”

The RHIB was used as part of boarding operations during the deployments of RAN ships in support of Operation Manitou.

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“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,” CAPT Willington added.

The ADF supports maritime security in the Middle East region with 16 personnel across US Naval Central Command and in the headquarters of the Combined Maritime Forces.

[Related: HMAS Choules to transport emergency services vehicles to PNG]