Latest news with #USSCanberra
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
China Grants Visa-Free Entry To Bahraini Citizens
China has announced that it will implement a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Bahrain, alongside Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait. The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a press briefing on Wednesday. The visa exemption will come into effect from June 9, 2025, and will remain valid until June 8, 2026. Under this policy, citizens of Bahrain can enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges, and transit. Boosting Ties Between Bahrain and China This decision marks a major step forward in strengthening Bahrain-China bilateral relations and further reflects China's growing commitment to enhancing cooperation with Gulf nations. It also opens new avenues for Bahraini entrepreneurs, tourists, and students seeking greater access to the Chinese market and culture. Full Visa-Free Access for All GCC Countries With this latest inclusion, all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries now enjoy visa-free access to China. The United Arab Emirates and Qatar were granted the exemption earlier in 2018. According to Mao Ning, this complete visa-free coverage underscores China's strategic approach to deepening partnerships with the GCC bloc. Also read: USS Canberra Arrives In Bahrain, Marking New Era In U.S. Navy Mine Warfare Operations Source News of Bahrain
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.
