Bahrain, US complete explosive ordnance disposal exercise

US forces and members of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) participated in a joint military exercise in Bahrain from June 9th to the 14th to share knowledge and improve capabilities, US Central Command said in a statement.

The exercise, "Neon Response 19", is a bilateral explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and maritime security exercise between the US Navy and BDF that aims to enhance mutual capabilities and interoperability, it said.

Members of the US 5th Fleet’s Task Force (TF) 56 and TF 55’s US Coast Guard maritime engagement team trained with BDF personnel -- including the Royal Field Engineer Unit, Royal Bahrain Naval Force and units from the Bahrain Coast Guard.

During the exercise, the units participated and trained in maritime tactics including visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS); harbor clearance operations; floating mine response; and minefield clearance tactics.

The US had dispatched its carrier strike group and bomber task force to the Arabian Gulf in early May in response to intelligence reports indicating that Iran is moving short-range ballistic missiles aboard civilian boats in Gulf waters.

Relations between Washington and Tehran have rapidly deteriorated since then, after the US accused Iran of being behind a series of attacks on ships in sensitive Gulf waters.

On June 24th, the US's Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in the US 5th Fleet area of operations, relieving the Kearsarge ARG and 22nd MEU, the Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) said.

"Our training and preparation to enter the 5th Fleet area of operations has all been designed to ensure we can be ready where it matters, when it matters," said Col. Fridrik Fridriksson, 11th MEU commander.

"We are a Navy and Marine Corps team fully capable of conducting operations across a full spectrum of conventional, unconventional and hybrid warfare," he said.

Meanwhile, NAVCENT commander Vice Adm. Jim Malloy on June 16th toured the French navy's Carrier Strike Group Charles de Gaulle, on his first visit to the aircraft carrier.

The visit builds upon a strong and enduring partnership between US and French naval forces stationed in the Gulf region, NAVCENT said in a statement.

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