Karachi, 13 November 2021 (TDI): The United States (US) navy ship, Pearl Harbor, visited Pakistan from 9 to 11 November. Officials from the U.S. Embassy and Pakistan Navy received the ship upon its arrival at the Karachi port.
The visit of the ship was composed of two phases: harbor phase and sea phase.
- Harbor Phase
During the harbor phase, officials from both sides held table-top discussions. They deliberated over the existing state of naval cooperation between the two countries and explored prospects of further bilateral cooperation.
- Sea Phase
On the other hand, during the sea phase, the two navies jointly conducted various seamanship and warfare drills.
Community Activities
Moreover, the U.S. ship members participated in various community relations activities. This includes a cricket match between U.S. and Pakistan forces, dinner receptions, and an opportunity for the U.S. service members to volunteer at a local school.
Captain Pearl Harbor remarks
The commanding officer of Pearl Harbor, Captain Daniel A. Follet, termed the visit as a ‘unique opportunity’. He also remarked that the visit will not only enhance the partnership between the two navies, but it will also pave way for future endeavors and interoperability.
Visit of U.S. Chargé d’affaires to Pearl Harbor
U.S. Chargé d’affaires, William Steuer, also visited Pearl Harbor during its visit to Karachi port. He observed a joint exercise by the two navies. On the occasion, Charge Steuer appreciated Pakistan Navy’s participation in the Combined Maritime Taskforce (99CMF). He also lauded Pakistan Navy’s conducive efforts, as part of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) and Combined Task Force (CTF 151), for protecting sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation in the North Arabian Sea.
Additionally, the U.S. Chargé d’affaires remarked “The military-to-military ties between the United States and Pakistan are strong and enduring”. He further added, “Through staff exchanges and joint exercises, we are working together to protect the world’s most important shipping lanes, combat piracy, and counter-terrorism. Together, we can help ensure a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Asia.”
The visit of the U.S. navy ship to Pakistan is a testimony of both countries’ commitment to ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment. The visit of Pearl Harbor will further augment naval collaboration between the two countries.
U.S Navy Ship Pearl Harbor
The U.S. navy ship Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) is a dock landing vessel. It has the capability to transport U.S. marines and vehicles. The ship is part of the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is currently in the U.S. 5TH Fleet.
The U.S 5th Fleet area of operations consists of approximately .5 million square miles of water. It includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Moreover, this area is comprised of 20 countries. It also includes three choke pints including the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab-al-Mandeb.
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