MANAMA — The Mixed Bilateral Naval Exercise (Bridge 23) kicked off in Bahrain Sunday between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces represented by the “Eastern Fleet” and the Royal Bahraini Navy Forces.

The drills started in the presence of the Commander of the Royal Bahraini Navy, Rear Adm. Mohammed Yousef Al-Asam, and the Military Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Bahrain, Brig. Gen. Fahad Bin Ibrahim Al-Thunayan, and senior officers participating in the exercise.

Marine Col. Ahmed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Osaimi, director of the exercise, said that the “Bridge 23” exercise aims to raise the level of combat readiness of the participating units, standardize tactical concepts and implement joint operations.

This is in addition to applying procedures for managing naval battles, command and control, and raising the efficiency of applying all forms of communication procedures.

He added that the exercise is an extension of the “Bridge” series of exercises that are carried out periodically between the two countries, to enhance security cooperation and coordination, secure regional waters, and unify concepts and joint action.

The drill included military operations and application of naval battle management procedures to raise the efficiency of officers and individuals in the process of command and control. — SPA/BNA