UNIPATH STAFF
As part of an annual oil spill response exercise, the U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Environmental Division conducted a salvage and pollution response drill in November 2023 in Bahrain.
The three-day exercise aimed to improve readiness to protect the environment, public health and marine life. The exercise enlisted sophisticated oil skimmers, firefighting equipment, boats and other gear to supplement the training.
Several Bahraini agencies participated in the effort, including the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC), Bahrain Petroleum Company, APM Terminals Bahrain, Bahrain Coast Guard, Ports and Maritime Affairs. Attendees received a tour and a briefing on the capabilities and overall functions of various salvage systems.
“This exercise demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and helps to foster cooperation and communication between the U.S. Navy and host nation partners such as ourselves,” said Bahraini Capt. Aref Al Awadhi, senior oil spill response officer from MEMAC. “It is a routine but important exercise that helps to ensure that we are all prepared to respond effectively to oil spills and other hazardous material incidents.”
Sean Suk, environmental director at NSA Bahrain, vouched for the value of the U.S.-Bahraini partnership.
“By actively deploying spill equipment, we are able to maintain technical proficiency while maintaining our longstanding partnership with environmental protection organizations in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” he said. “The exchange of information, technology and training is key to an effective response in case of an actual incident.”
This is one of several activities the U.S. Fifth Fleet conducts regularly in Bahrain aimed at boosting capabilities and readiness to maintain host nation environmental safety and promote anti-pollution efforts.