By Abdullah Qabazard
KUWAIT, Aug 25 (KUNA) -- A ceremony took place Thursday on the occasion of the arrival of the HMS Middleton Vessel in the Port of Mina Shuwaikh, to further promote historical solidarities and relations between Kuwait and UK Naval Forces.
In a statement to KUNA, Commanding Officer Lt. Commander of the Royal Navy, Gemma Britton, was very ardent on this visit upon arrival from base camp in Bahrain, as her crew along with the Failaka Naval Vessel underwent warfare maneuvering drills before docking in Mina Shuwaikh.
The HMS Middleton operates under the Mine Counter Measures Vessel (MCMV) title and consists of 45 crewmembers who hail from Scotland's base training Land, Sea, and Air Strategic Special Program, with the objective of mine hunting.
She also mentioned the Navy's looking forward to joint training exercises in the coming years, as conditions happen to improve following a reticent period.
She also succeeds her husband in this mission, who previous lead the Post-Gulf War operation to clear-planted mines, safeguarding the area with a successful 100+ mines discharged.
Present at the ceremony, Naval Rear Admiral Salah Al-Sallal said, "Our Navy is linked with historic relations with the Royal Navy, with several joint tasks between both sides operating to secure and safeguard international waters." He added, Kuwait is adamant on making the most out of this visit especially with ties to joint tasks with the GCC as well as other naval forces around the world, noting that many of the Kuwaiti Fleet is trained by the British Navy.
The HMS Middleton's reception ceremony was attended by UK Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis, along with a number of Military Attache officers as well as high ranked emissaries of the Kuwaiti Naval Force. (end) aq