USS Ponce Assumes Duty in Bahrain

The U.S. Navy’s first afloat forward staging base-interim, USS Ponce (AFSB-I), arrived in Bahrain for duty in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), July 6.
Prior to arriving in theater, Ponce, formerly designated as an amphibious transport dock (LPD), was converted and reclassified as an AFSB(I) in April to fulfill a long-standing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) request for an AFSB to be located in its AOR .
“Ponce’s role as an AFSB provides us with an enhanced capability to conduct maritime security operations, and gives us greater flexibility to support a wide range of contingencies with our regional partners,” said Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).
Ponce’s primary mission is to support mine countermeasures (MCM) operations and other missions, such as the ability to provide repair service to other deployed units, including electrical, diesel engine, piping, and machinery repairs. Additionally, Ponce also has the capability to embark and launch small riverine craft.

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UAE and Bahraini air forces complete joint air defence exercise

The UAE and Royal Bahraini Air Force and Air Defence units have completed a bilateral air defence exercise, code-named Union of Falcons 1 / 2012, as part of a joint strategy to enhance military cooperation between the two countries.

During the exercise, which commenced on 1 July 2012 at an undisclosed location, personnel from the two air forces were put through several joint defence scenarios, including practical applications, tactical manoeuvres, joint air operations, command and control, and fire support missions.

The two countries also demonstrated their operational readiness and joint air firepower during war-like scenarios.

UAE Air Force and Air Defence deputy commander major general pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi was quoted by Khaleej Times as saying that the squadrons conducted a series of exercises, which demonstrated the results of concerted work and cooperation of all elements involved.

"The joint exercise between the two fraternal countries is not linked to any developments on the regional or international plateaus," Al Alawi added.

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