Home

Foreword

Regional
Security  ::

Japan-U.S. Forces Protecting Common Interests in KEEN EDGE / YAMA SAKURA 2007

Indian Navy Enhances Amphibious Capability Building Trust and Security

Strengthening the ROK-U.S. Alliance in RSOI/FOAL EAGLE 2007

War On Terror  ::

AMAN 2007: Nations United Against Maritime Terrorism

Humanitarian
Aid  ::

Partnership for Health in Vietnam

Partnership for Peace and Security in BALIKATAN 2007

Focus Area ::

U.S. Commitment to Asia-Pacific Security: F-22A Fighter

Happenings  ::

Happenings

Events at sea took place in Phase III and IV and began when navy ships of the eight nations exited Karachi harbor in formation, making their way into the North Arabian Sea. With such a diverse group of nations represented and ship types involved, the objectives of the exercise focused on the ships working together effectively to maintain peace and stability on the high seas. The sea phase included defense against fast attack craft; weapons firings; search and rescue, including a multinational rescue drill led by China’s Navy; and maritime interdiction operations. The exercise culminated in a sail past review of the participating ships by Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf.

Phase V involved discussions on lessons learned, a recreational trip to an archeological site, and ship visits. This phase also included a Pakistani Cultural Show and dinner hosted by the Chief of The Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy, Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir.

AMAN 2007 exemplified the united resolve of the nine countries against maritime terrorism. The exercise also projected Pakistan, the host, as a country contributing significantly and willingly toward regional peace and stability.

President Musharraf hailed AMAN 2007 as having significant tactical and operational value in fighting terrorism, not only for his country’s navy, but also for those countries participating and observing as well. With the success of AMAN 2007, it is likely future such exercises will garner more participation from observer countries.

In a message to participating units, President Musharraf noted, “[The] International Fleet Review was professionally conducted and highly impressive. I was pleased to witness a large presence of navies working together for enhanced peace and stability of the regional maritime domain. I congratulate [the] Pakistan Navy for successful conduct of this mega event and reiterate Pakistan’s resolve for [the] fight against terrorism in all its manifestations.”

Commenting on the exercise, Commander Andy Jordan, commanding officer of the British Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland, said, “It is a great privilege for me to bring Sutherland to Karachi to take part in such a significant multinational exercise. We have made many new friends and enjoyed working together towards the exercise aim of promoting regional peace and security. It is my opinion that the exercise has been an enormous success. We have had the opportunity to sail with many navies with whom we do not usually operate in such events, and have therefore achieved much in mutual understanding and interoperability. Given our common purpose in these troubled days, this can only be to all our mutual benefit.”

E-mail: apdforum@apan-info.net