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Pakistans PNS Alamgir Docks In Kuwait
Friendly Visit During Maritime Security Operations
KUWAIT CITY, July 2: We are currently on a mission of Maritime Security Operations in the Gulf of Oman and the North Arabian Sea area but sometimes in between the missions, we visit nearby friendly countries to strengthen the bond of friendship as well as foster brotherliness between our countries, said Naveed Ashraf, the Commanding Officer of the Pakistani Naval Frigate, PNS ALAMGIR as he briefed media personnel aboard the ship Saturday on the mission of the naval ship to Kuwait from July 2 to 6.
During the course of the guided tour given to media personnel by navy personnel on board, one of the guides explained that the PNS ALAMGIR, an Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate, was acquired from the United States and commissioned to the Pakistan Navy on Aug 31, 2010 at the Mayport Naval Station in Florida, United States, a deal that marked the first step in more naval ship purchases by Pakistan from the US. The Pakistan Navy requested for a few modifications to the Frigate to enhance its naval combat capabilities.
Pakistan Naval Ships have a tradition of periodically undertaking goodwill visits to the State of Kuwait, which provide excellent platform for the Navies of the two countries to interact and share brotherly ideas.
Such missions by the Pakistan Navy also help in further improving the already existing strong relations between the two countries.
PNS ALAMGIR, named after Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Muslim ruler of Great Mughal Empire, is a 4100 tonner with an overall length of 138.1 M and is a multi mission capable ship, fitted with potent weapon and sensor systems, ready for modern naval warfare.
The Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Naveed Ashraf in his briefing to the press stated that the Frigate which is fitted with 76mm and 25mm guns, torpedo tubes, long range surface and air search radars and electronic warfare suite, is also fitted with hi-tech, navigational and communication systems and capable of carrying two ASW organic helicopters.
Captain Ashraf said during the course of their stay in Kuwait, they would hold meetings with senior officers of Kuwait Navy as well as hold a reception to be attended by senior civil and military Kuwaiti officials, diplomats, distinguished guests and members of the Pakistani community.
He added that the Frigate, which is on its maiden outing from Pakistan since its acquisition, is on an anti-terror and anti-piracy mission that routinely patrols the Gulf of Oman and the Northern Arabian Sea as part of an international flotilla to keep the area safe for international maritime traffic; more than 30,000 ships pass through the Arabian Sea each year.
It is hoped that this visit will reinvigorate the bilateral relations, cooperation and interoperability between the two navies in particular, as well as further garner mutual benefits from existing strong bonds of friendship between the two countries, concluded Captain Ashraf.
Threats
Due to the rising threats in the region, the Pakistan Navys strategy was drastically changed and preparations were made in order to ensure the safety of the countrys interests in the region.
Pakistans navy is enhancing its visibility and reach beyond its boundaries to provide leverage to national, diplomatic and security interests. The Navy participates in Coalition Maritime campaigns,and has successfully conducted maritime diplomacy through flag-showing and its presence from China in the East to the US in the West.
The countrys navy today stands out as an effective and efficient arm of the Armed Forces, fully capable of protecting its maritime interests while maintaining deterrence.
In September 2008 the US Congress approved the transfer of the frigate to Pakistan with a delivery date of August 2010. Citing the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act, Pakistan is considered a major non-NATO ally, able to receive older unneeded US military equipment. Additionally, the 32-year old frigate was given a $65 million refurbishment including anti-submarine capability paid for with foreign military aid provided by the US to friendly countries.
PNS Alamgir received a mostly mechanical overhaul, which had to be conducted in the US as part of the deal. All four diesels engines were removed and overhauled, along with air conditioning units and refrigeration. Fuel oil tanks and voids were cleaned, inspected, repaired and painted.
All shafting, the controllable pitch propeller system as well as sea valves were replaced, overhauled or renovated, with almost every pump opened, inspected and overhauled as needed.
Ventilators and fans went through a similar process of inspection and overhaul, while Breakers, NR3 switchboard, windlass, and boat davit all got inspections and overhauls.
Completely new equipment includes a new navigation suite and bridge, the composite dome over the fully overhauled AN/SQS-56 sonar, and a VIP cabin.
The crew of PNS Alamgir moved aboard in December 2010 after they completed training in firefighting and damage control, PMS and 3-M to US Navy PQS standards.
Pakistan
