By Xue Chengqing, Cui Xiaoyang, Wang Jie
The international fleet review of the multinational maritime exercise AMAN-19 (Photo by Xue Chengqing)
KARACHI, PAKISTAN, Feb. 13 (ChinaMil) -- The multinational maritime exercise AMAN-19 came to an end on February 12 after the sea phase with real troops in the waters surrounding Pakistan's Karachi, local time.
The Exercise kicked off on February 8 and was conducted in two phases; the harbor phase spanned from Feb. 08 to 10 and the sea phase from Feb. 11 to 12.
The harbor phase comprised International Maritime Conference, seminars, table talks, cross ships visits, calls on, International Band Display, Maritime Counter Terrorism Demonstration, Cultural show and Food Gala. Whereas, the sea phase included practical execution of operational plans and activities finalized during harbor phase and International Fleet Review.
The participating warships carried out drills on 23 subjects including replenishment-at-sea, anti-piracy, main-gun firing, formation movement and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.
During the international fleet review on Feb. 12, Pakistani President Arif Alvi boarded the Pakistan Navy Ship MOAWIN and reviewed the participating ships sailing in a single file formation.
Shao Shuguang, commander of the Chinese Navy 998 Fleet, said that the joint exercise, with compact schedules and rich activities, strengthened mutual understanding and trust between the Chinese Navy and the participating navies. The exercise also enhanced the capability of Chinese naval sailors to deal with various security threats, and demonstrated the determination and confidence of China and other participating countries in jointly addressing risks and challenges and safeguarding peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean region, Shao added.