The Egyptian Navy was recently in the press after one of their patrol boats came under rocket-attack by ISIS.


This week, however, they were inolved in more routine practice.


Royal Navy warship HMS Bangor was alongside Egyptian Navy warship ENS Al Zaffer, in the first joint UK and Egyptian naval training in over three years.


HMS Bangor, a Sandown Class mine-hunter, sailed with ENS Al Zaffer, a Jianghu I class destroyer, from the home of the Egyptian Red Sea Fleet, Safaga, to conduct Exercise Safaga Shark.



First Joint Egyptian And Royal Navy Exercise In 3 Years




The exercise – planned by the two ships – included a range of training serials to develop cooperation and coordination at sea.


Bangor paid a short visit to Safaga before the two ships navigated out of port whilst under simulated attack from a Fast Patrol Boat, played by an Egyptian Navy patrol boat.


Once clear, Bangor joined Al Zaffer to commence Officer of the Watch manoeuvres, a series of ship stationing exercises that require good communications and skilful ship coordination.


Throughout the exercises the two ships communicated by radio and by flags.


After this the emphasis moved to a common situation faced by ships on the high sea – dealing with an emergency and giving assistance.


For exercise purposes Al Zaffer reported a casualty onboard who needed assistance and Bangor went to help.



First Joint Egyptian And Royal Navy Exercise In 3 Years



Bangor’s Executive Officer Lieutenant Mark Morrison visited ENS Al Zaffer. He said:


“After a busy and successful exercise it was a real pleasure to visit Al Zaffer to see the ship and thank their team personally for the opportunity to train together.


“They appeared to enjoy it as much as we did and I hope we get to work together again in the future.”


Captain Simon Brand RN, Defence Attache to the British Embassy in Cairo, said the exercise was a significant step in the development of naval engagement between the two countries.


“It is in both of our interests to combat maritime threats in the region therefore it is imperative that we understand each other’s capabilities better so we can work together to maintain good order at sea,” he said.



HMS Bangor continues her deployment and will arrive in the Gulf later in the summer.


Once there she will be one of four Royal Navy mine-hunters working from Bahrain to provide maritime security and be ready to protect the shipping routes in the Gulf region if called upon.