Pakistan participated in US-led International Maritime Exercise 2019

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Commander Imtiaz of Pakistan Navy participated in the International Maritime Exercise 2019 (IMX 19) held in the Arabian Gulf since 21st October. The exercise features assets and personnel from more than 50 partner nations of the US including international organisations.

191021-N-KZ419-1074
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (Oct. 21, 2019) International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2019 staff members pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of IMX 2019. IMX 2019 is a multinational engagement involving partners and allies from around the world sharing knowledge and experiences across the full spectrum of defensive maritime operations. The exercise serves to demonstrate global resolve in maintaining regional security and stability, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce from the Suez Canal south to the Bab-el-Mandeb through the Strait of Hormuz to the Northern Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dawson Roth/Released)

IMX 19 is hosted by the US 5th Fleet at Naval Forces Central Command (HQ NAVCENT). The exercise spans from Suez Canal in Egypt down to Bab al-Mandeb through the Strait of Hormuz, culminating the North Arabian Gulf. It comprises four phases:

• Staff training
• Table-top and classroom exercises
• Fleet training exercise (FTX)
• Force redeployment

IMX is an annual naval exercise which commenced in 2012. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Admiral Jim Malloy (Commander NAVCENT) explained that the exercise strengthens partnerships among nations in the US Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) and beyond.

“Stability and security in the maritime domain is a shared goal of all nations“, he said.

On 4th November, representatives from 15 different countries including Pakistan joined Commander NAVCENT for a tour aboard mine sweeper JS Bungo belonging to the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and United Kingdom’s landing dock ship RFA Cardigan Bay.

191104-N-HP195-1513 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 4, 2019) Royal Saudi Naval Forces Senior Chief Petty Officer Ajab Salman, foreground center, takes video of a group touring aboard Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) mine sweeper tender JS Bungo (MST-464) as part of International Maritime Exercise 2019 (IMX 19). IMX 19 is a multinational engagement involving partners and allies from around the world designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences across the full spectrum of defensive maritime operations. The exercise serves to demonstrate global resolve in maintaining regional security and stability, freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce from the Suez Canal south to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait through the Strait of Hormuz to the Northern Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Okula)

Vice Admiral Malloy also praised the role played by Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ Rear Admiral Abdullah Al-Shammary (Deputy Commander IMX 19).

Update: A statement by Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Pakistan Navy reveals that PNS Shamsheer, PNS Muhafiz and P3C Orion aircraft of Pakistan Navy participated in the exercise in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

(Information sourced from Story ID NNS191021-03 dated 21 October 2019 released by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Neal Blair at US 5th Fleet Public Affairs and Story ID 350653 released by Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Okula at US 5th Fleet, NAVCENT)