ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy (PN) Ship Saif on Tuesday visited Port Aksaz, Turkey to participate in exercises Mavi Balina 2018 and the second PN-TN bilateral exercise Turgutreis-II.
Upon arrival at Port Aksaz, PNS SAIF was received by Pakistan’s naval attaché and Turkish Navy (TN) officials.
These exercises were aimed to enhance interoperability between participating navies through the development of combined tactics, techniques and practices.
PNS SAIF is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors for undertaking all types of maritime operations in a multi-threat environment. Z9EC organic ASW helicopter from 222 Aviation Squadron of PN Air Arm is also onboard the ship.
Exercise Mavi Balina 2018 was conducted in three phases, i.e. harbour, sea and analysis/de-brief phase. The harbour phase of the exercise was conducted from Sep 27 to September 29 at Aksaz Naval Base and was aimed at creating an interactive environment between the participating navies. Activities of harbour phase included pre-sail conferences, coordination meetings and communication checks.
Sea phases of Mavi Balina and Turgutreis-II were conducted from September 30 to October 6 and October 8 to October 9 in the East Mediterranean Sea, encompassing the entire spectrum of maritime operations starting with basic and culminating advanced-level exercises which included Combined Anti-Submarine Exercises (CASEXes), Air Defence Exercise (ADEX), Gunnery Firings and Surface Warfare Exercises (SURFEX) etc.
Exercise Mavi Balina 2018 and 2nd PN-TN Bilateral Exercise Turgutreis-II proved professionally rewarding.
Commander Karachi (COMKAR) Rear Admiral Asif Khaliq represented the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) during his visit to Turkey. The Admiral called-on senior naval officials from the Turkish Navy and other dignitaries including Rear Admiral Semih Ozanguc, Aksaz Naval Base Commanding Flag Officer and Southern Task Group Commander Real Admiral Hasan Ozyurt.
During the call-on, Rear Admiral Asif Khaliq conveyed well wishes from Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi to the people of Turkey in general and Turkish Navy in particular. He also extended his gratitude for the whole-hearted support provided by the Turkish Navy and Aksaz Port authorities in making the ship’s stay comfortable.
Naval forces have historically played a pivotal role in strengthening bonds of friendship between nations through multifaceted collaborative activities including exercises and port visits. Pakistan and Turkey enjoy brotherly relations and friendship among both the countries is time-tested. Pakistan Navy has deep-rooted and cordial relations with the Turkish Navy.
In this regard, Pakistan and Turkey have come a long way in terms of mutual collaboration in the form of regular interactions, visit of senior leadership, construction of naval ships, training cooperation and participation in bilateral and multi-national exercises and exhibitions.
Participation of the PNS Saif in these exercises was also aimed at further strengthening the bond of friendship between Pakistan and Turkey in pursuance of the government of Pakistan’s policies to enhance friendly relations.
