His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs greeted the vessel upon its arrival to join the Royal Navy of Oman fleet and thanked the commanders, personnel and crew who were on AL SHAMIKH during her maiden voyage from the UK where she was built.
His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Busaidi said:
“Today we celebrate the arrival of AL SHAMIKH into the waters of the sultanate, the first ship of Project Khareef, which would contribute to the strengthening of military capabilities and capacities of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) which enjoys the Royal care and attention of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.”
Capt Qasim bin Mohammed al Balushi, Commander of AL SHAMIKH, expressed his pride in leading the vessel into Oman’s waters. He said that Al Shamikh is the most modern of Royal Navy of Oman ships.
Mick Ord, Managing Director at BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships, said: “The Royal Navy of Oman has demonstrated the immense capability of both AL SHAMIKH and her crew during this voyage. Her arrival in Oman is an incredibly proud moment for everyone who has worked on her and testament to the strong partnership that has been formed between the Royal Navy of Oman and BAE Systems.”
The reception was attended by Lt Gen Ahmed bin Harith al Nabhani, Chief of Staff of the Sultan’s Armed Forces, as well as senior civil and military officials from Oman and the United Kingdom.
The Khareef Class corvettes are equipped to defend against both surface and air threats with stealth features to operate undetected, an innovative hull design and electric propulsion to provide exceptional manoeuvrability. The ship is capable of undertaking a range of operations including coastal patrols, disaster relief, search and rescue, and deterrence operations.
[mappress] Press Release, October 08, 2013; Image: BAE Systems