Naval Chief discusses cooperation between Pakistani, US Navies

WASHINGTON, April 1 (APP): Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir NI(M), who visited the United States from March 17 to 27, held important meetings with various American Military and Government officials to discuss opportunities for continued coordination and cooperation between the US and Pakistan Navies.

The Admiral was accompanied by his wife and three Staff Officers during the visit that took place at the invitation of the US Navy, the Pakistani embassy here said Wednesday.

In a Full Honours Welcome Ceremony for the Pakistani Naval Chief at Washington Navy Yard, Admiral Bashir was decorated with the US Legion of Merit award in recognition of his meritorious services, visionary leadership and enhancing regional maritime security. US Chief of the Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead decorated Admiral Bashir with the award on behalf of US Secretary of Defense. A 19-gun salute was also presented to the Admiral upon his arrival at the Washington Navy Yard.

Admiral Noman Bashir addressed US think tank, the Atlantic Council in Washington on March 19,2010. Highlighting Pak-US military to military relations and Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, drug trafficking and piracy, the Naval Chief reinforced Pakistan Navy’s commitment to enhance regional maritime security and deter other destabilizing activities in the maritime environment.

While Pak-US relations are becoming more congruous day by day, the CNS made a persuasive case for capacity building of Pakistan Navy and the need to enhance military to military cooperation.

A dinner was hosted in honour of Admiral Noman Bashir and Begum Zubaria Bashir at the Embassy on March 19. Speaking at the dinner attended by senior US military and civilian officials and prominent media personalities, Admiral Bashir said that he was deeply touched by the decoration of Legion of Merit award.

“This award is in recognition of the services of Pakistan Navy, which is working to stabilize the region by participating in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan since April 2004.” He said that “Pakistan Navy is committed with its allies to root out all sorts of illegal activities at sea.” He remarked that “Pakistan Navy has also extended critical cooperation to the coalition anti-piracy operations off Somali Coast by sending a frigate as part of Task Force 151.”

Praising the visionary leadership of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead, the admiral thanked him for affording an opportunity to make his first ever visit to the United States in a career spanning over 40 years.

Earlier, the Ambassador of Pakistan, Husain Haqqani said that “Pakistan and United States are two important allies. A Country as important as Pakistan cannot be subjected to the whims of daily developments. Pakistan’s security concerns should be understood by the United States. With better understanding we will be able to evolve a partnership that will bring the two countries further closer.”

The Admiral also visited US Naval Academy at Annapolis on March 22, where four Pakistani midshipmen are presently undergoing training. In a day long visit to Headquarters US CENTCOM and US SOCOM (Special Operations Command) in Tampa, Florida, Admiral Bashir held important meetings with General David Petraeus, Commander of US CENTCOM and Admiral Eric Olsen, Commander US SOCOM.

In Jacksonville, Florida, Admiral Noman Bashir met Pakistan Navy crew being trained on P-3C Long Range Maritime Aircraft. Pakistan is acquiring seven P-3C aircraft from US. Two of these recently refurbished aircraft by Lockheed Martin are in Jacksonville for crew training and will be handed over to Pakistan Navy on 30 April 2010. Admiral was taken for a short flight on one of the Pakistani P-3C aircraft.

During his trip to Naval Station at Norfolk, Virginia, Admiral Noman Bashir met with Admiral John C. Harvey Jr, Commander Fleet Forces Command. The Chief of the Naval Staff earlier visited USS KLAKRING (FFG-42), stationed at Mayport, and had lunch on board ship.

Towards the end of his visit, the Naval Chief visited US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island and addressed a gathering of about 1000 students and faculty members on “the Role of Pakistan Navy in Enhancing Regional Maritime Security”. Following the address, he answered questions from the audience.