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Our boys in charge

March 12 - 18, 2008
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BAHRAIN'S Navy is ruling the waves this week after taking the lead role in fighting crime on the high seas around the Gulf.

The kingdom took over the helm of Combined Task Force 152 from the US and will remain in charge for the next three months.

Brigadier General Abdulla Saeed Al Mansoori says he is looking forward to the challenge and that he and his staff were honoured by the opportunity to become the first country in the region to assume command of one of the three coalition task forces that comprise the Combined Maritime Force.

He said: "We shall Inshallah do our best to carry out this mission to the best of our ability.

"The Royal Bahrain Navy was established almost 28 years ago. Since inception the tireless work and excellent vision of our nation's leadership has enabled us to gain the expertise and knowledge with which we are now able to execute even the most demanding tasks required in today's uncertain environment.

"However, the maritime security operation is not a single country's mission, and no country single-handedly can achieve the goal of these operations, that is why today we are joining our friendly navies in this imperative task."

Brigadier General Al Mansoori said the mission contributes to regional maritime security by making sure that terrorists, pirates and criminals cannot use the water as a haven for illegal activity.

Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Kevin Cosgriff added: "Capturing drug smugglers is one of our main priorities because we don't want the money coming from the drugs financing terrorism.

"Coalition forces are at the forefront of at-sea maritime security operations. We are committed to maintain security in the region because it supports global stability, and in turn regional economic vitality and prosperity.

"Bahrain Navy taking command of a task force is an example of a new capability built in part with coalition help."

He said he was excited that Brigadier General Al Mansoori was taking the reign as the new Commander of CTF 152.

"Brigadier General Al Mansoori's attention to detail combined with his passion for maritime operations, will make the tenure as commander highly effective."

The challenges were significant, he added, but he was confident that under Brigadier General Al Mansoori's leadership, coalition operations would be "dynamic, persistent and effective."

A ceremony at the Bahrain Royal Navy Force headquarters in Mina Salman to mark the handover of command of CTF 152 to Bahrain took place last week.

The event was attended by Minister of State for Defence Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, US Ambassador Joseph Adam Ereli and officers from both US and Bahrain navies.

Fact file on Bahrain's Brigadier General

Brigadier General Al Mansoori joined the Bahrain Defence Forces in 1975. He earned a bachelor's degree in Naval and Defence Studies from Egypt in 1979.

During the same year, he was commissioned as Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Bahrain Navy. His areas of specialisation include Germany, US, Italy, France, UK and Pakistan.

In 1996, he earned a diploma in International Defence from the United States.

Brigadier General Al Mansoori's qualifications include: Administration course from Kuwait, Command and Staff course from Naval Command College, USA, in 1989, Commander Flotilla in 1997, Command and Control course in NWC Newport, US, in 2002.

In 2004, he was appointed as Commander Royal Bahraini Navy. During the same year Brigadier General Al Mansoori was attached with the German Navy for Missile Ship Training International Relations Degree and also commanded various ships in the Royal Bahraini Navy.

In 2006, he received the Legion of Merit Degree of Commander from the US President. His awards include the Service Medal, Wajib Medal, Hawar Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal.

Brigadier General Al Mansoori is married with four sons and two daughters.







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