Latest news with #StevenBondy
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- General
- Gulf Insider
USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Boosts U.S. Mine Warfare
Modern Vessel to Replace Aging Minehunters in Middle East The littoral combat ship USS Canberra has arrived at the U.S. naval base in Bahrain, ushering in a new chapter for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) as it prepares to phase out its aging fleet of mine countermeasure ships in the region. The vessel is the first of four advanced ships set to permanently operate out of Bahrain, replacing the decades-old Avenger- class ships. Upgrading Fleet Capabilities The USS Canberra is part of a broader U.S. Navy strategy to modernize its presence in the Middle East. The Avenger-class ships, built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, feature fiberglass-covered wooden hulls-a design once considered ideal for minimizing magnetic signatures during mine-clearing missions. However, maintenance costs and operational limitations have made these vessels increasingly obsolete. In contrast, the Independence-class Canberra boasts cutting-edge technology, including unmanned maritime sensors and improved minehunting capabilities that allow it to detect and neutralize threats at greater distances. It also supports a top speed of about 46 mph (40 knots), far outpacing the Avenger-class ships' 16 mph. A First for the Region The Canberra is the first Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) to deploy to the region. Its arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony on Monday attended by Bahraini defense officials, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven Bondy, and NAVCENT commander Vice Adm. George Wikoff. Unlike its single-hulled Freedom-class counterpart, the Independence-class is a trimaran, offering a larger flight deck, room for two helicopters or multiple drones, and increased operational flexibility. According to the ship's manufacturer, Austal USA, these design features enhance the vessel's ability to operate in shallow coastal waters-an essential trait for mine countermeasure missions in the Gulf. Command Perspective Cmdr. Bill Golden, commander of the Canberra's blue crew, previously served aboard a mine countermeasures ship stationed in Bahrain. Reflecting on the shift in capability, he remarked, 'To see the differences between that platform and what Canberra offers is incredible.'The Canberra began its maiden deployment from San Diego in March and is currently conducting routine operations as part of its scheduled mission. It is expected to be joined by three additional LCS vessels over the coming months, further cementing Bahrain's role as a key hub in U.S. naval strategy. LCS Program Continues Expansion Since the launch of the Littoral Combat Ship program in 2002, the U.S. Navy has taken delivery of 35 LCS vessels. Two more-USS Cleveland (Freedom variant) and USS Pierre (Independence variant)—are currently under construction and are expected to be commissioned later this year. The deployment of the Canberra marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy's transition toward faster, more versatile, and technologically advanced warships- reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the region's vital waterways. Also read: Bahrain To Roll Out Diverse Scholarship Opportunities For Top Students Following June 2 Exam Results
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Science
- Daily Tribune
USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Marking New Era in U.S. Navy Mine Warfare Operations
Modern Vessel to Replace Aging Minehunters in Middle East The littoral combat ship USS Canberra has arrived at the U.S. naval base in Bahrain, ushering in a new chapter for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) as it prepares to phase out its aging fleet of mine countermeasure ships in the region. The vessel is the first of four advanced ships set to permanently operate out of Bahrain, replacing the decades-old Avenger-class ships. Upgrading Fleet Capabilities The USS Canberra is part of a broader U.S. Navy strategy to modernize its presence in the Middle East. The Avenger-class ships, built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, feature fiberglass-covered wooden hulls—a design once considered ideal for minimizing magnetic signatures during mine-clearing missions. However, maintenance costs and operational limitations have made these vessels increasingly obsolete. In contrast, the Independence-class Canberra boasts cutting-edge technology, including unmanned maritime sensors and improved minehunting capabilities that allow it to detect and neutralize threats at greater distances. It also supports a top speed of about 46 mph (40 knots), far outpacing the Avenger-class ships' 16 mph. A First for the Region The Canberra is the first Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) to deploy to the region. Its arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony on Monday attended by Bahraini defense officials, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven Bondy, and NAVCENT commander Vice Adm. George Wikoff. Unlike its single-hulled Freedom-class counterpart, the Independence-class is a trimaran, offering a larger flight deck, room for two helicopters or multiple drones, and increased operational flexibility. According to the ship's manufacturer, Austal USA, these design features enhance the vessel's ability to operate in shallow coastal waters—an essential trait for mine countermeasure missions in the Gulf. Command Perspective Cmdr. Bill Golden, commander of the Canberra's blue crew, previously served aboard a mine countermeasures ship stationed in Bahrain. Reflecting on the shift in capability, he remarked, 'To see the differences between that platform and what Canberra offers is incredible.' The Canberra began its maiden deployment from San Diego in March and is currently conducting routine operations as part of its scheduled mission. It is expected to be joined by three additional LCS vessels over the coming months, further cementing Bahrain's role as a key hub in U.S. naval strategy. LCS Program Continues Expansion Since the launch of the Littoral Combat Ship program in 2002, the U.S. Navy has taken delivery of 35 LCS vessels. Two more—USS Cleveland (Freedom variant) and USS Pierre (Independence variant)—are currently under construction and are expected to be commissioned later this year. The deployment of the Canberra marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy's transition toward faster, more versatile, and technologically advanced warships—reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the region's vital waterways.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
U.S Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms RCSI Medical University of Bahrain's role in advancing medical and academic partnerships with U.S. Institutions
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain welcomed yesterday His Excellency Steven C. Bondy, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and a delegation including Mr Nathanael Lynn, Chief of the Public Affairs Section, Ms Samar Hasan, Education Specialist, and Dr Fathima Nasmy, Physician, at its campus in Busaiteen. Welcoming the delegation, Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, and members of the University's Executive Committee, provided a guided viewing of the University's New Academic Building currently under construction - a significant development set to enhance the student experience. The meeting commenced with an overview by Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director, detailing the University's history, relationship with partner hospitals and strategic direction. A key focus of the meeting was the University's robust academic and clinical collaborations with leading US universities and hospitals. Mr Fadi Ghosn, Head of Recognition, Careers & Alumni, provided details on student research and clinical electives through such partnerships with prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Yale University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Penn State College of Medicine and George Washington University. As a result of this collaboration, 224 graduates of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain — including 117 American nationals — are now practising in the United States, a testament to the University's rigorous international standards and world-class training it provides. During the meeting, the delegation also explored potential federal funding opportunities for American nationals to study at the University, further expanding the collaboration between the University and U.S. institutions and demonstrating a shared commitment to advancing medical education and research. Underscoring the expanding ties between RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and the U.S. education and healthcare sectors, His Excellency Steven C. Bondy, stated, 'RCSI Medical University of Bahrain exemplifies the strength of international academic collaboration. Its partnerships with leading U.S. universities and hospitals are expanding opportunities for clinical training, research, and student exchange. These efforts deepen the educational ties between the United States and Bahrain while advancing global healthcare.' Commenting on the visit, Professor Otoom stated, 'RCSI Medical University of Bahrain extends its sincere thanks to His Excellency Steven C. Bondy, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the delegation for their visit, which highlights the strategic importance of our collaborative partnerships with esteemed U.S. institutions. These partnerships are crucial to our mission of providing students with a world-class medical education, fostering invaluable international exchange in healthcare, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care both regionally and globally.' RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is committed to expanding its international outlook to ensure its graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving challenges of the healthcare landscape and to make meaningful contributions worldwide. About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine; Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide.
