Royal Navy take part in Omani mine warfare exercise

Four ships and more than 200 sailors led Britain’s involvement in an international test of allied sea power in the Middle East, say the Royal Navy.

In a news release, the Royal Navy say that they joined French and US naval forces who accepted the invite from the Omanis for their annual workout – Khunjar Hadd (Arabic for ‘Sharp Dagger’).

“2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the exercise which this year focused on the ability of the four nations to keep sea lanes open – with the added spice of some board and search training. Britain dispatched support vessel RFA Cardigan Bay and three hunters (HMS Brocklesby, Ledbury and Shoreham) to the Gulf of Oman – two fifths of the warships mustered for Khunjar Hadd.

The goal was to hone the collective skills of four participating nations should they ever have to operate – or fight – side-by-side and to practise long-standing and potential future minehunting techniques. Cardigan Bay embodies both present and future. For the present, she acts as mother to all four Royal Navy minehunters operating out of Bahrain, providing them with fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition, stores and, if needed, engineering support.”

“Without doubt, Khunjar Hadd has been a huge success,” said Commander Neil Griffiths, Commander of the United Kingdom Mine Counter Measures Force directing the actions of the British participants from Cardigan Bay.

“It proved – once again – that while we are individually strong, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a great opportunity to prove our ability to work together, to share ideas and best ways of working, as well as demonstrating our commitment as a valued partner of Oman. I particularly enjoyed meeting my fellow officers from the Omani, US and French Navies and exchanging ideas.”