The NATO counter-piracy flagship ESPS Cristobal Colon helped to provide specialised training to the Royal Omani Navy in the port of Salalah.
On Sunday, 1 June 2014, Captain Amor Humaid Al Zakwani, Commander of the Royal Oman Navy Southern Area, accompanied by several other officers from the Fast Patrol Boat AL BAT’NAH and the corvette QAHIR TO AMWAJ met on board the NATO frigate to discuss their experiences and coordinate joint activities.
“We intend not only to show how we conduct CP operations, but more than that, we are interested in exchanging experiences with Royal Omani Navy concerning piracy,” said Captain Nunez de Prado, Commanding Officer of ESPS CRISTOBAL COLON. “We wish to increase the degree of cooperation and understanding with regional states.”
The following morning, the Commanding Officer of the QAHIR TO AMWAJ and four Omani Officers embarked on board the NATO flagship to attend a workshop on counter-piracy operations. The Omani officers were briefed on several operational aspects including Standard Operation Procedures for Boarding and Maritime Situational Awareness Visits by means of rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and helicopters.
“These opportunities are extremely important for a better integration and interoperability among the forces fighting piracy in this region of the globe,” said Rear Admiral Eugenio Diaz del Rio, NATO’s Operation OCEAN SHIELD Task Force Commander.
[mappress] Press Release, June 06, 2014; Image: NATO