Employees
and guests, including senior representatives from the Royal Navy of
Oman and UK Royal Navy, gathered in front of the ship as the crew marched
on board to raise the national flag of Oman on her flight deck for the
first time.
Mick Ord, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime – Naval Ships,
said: “Today is an important milestone in the strong and growing
relationship between BAE Systems and Oman, as we hand over the first
of the Khareef class warships.
“It’s an immensely proud moment for everyone at BAE Systems
involved in the design, build, trial and delivery of Al Shamikh to see
her crew march onboard and take ownership of the vessel. We now look
forward to continuing our partnership with the Royal Navy of Oman, supporting
the new crew and working towards the completion of the next two ships.”
The Khareef Class corvettes are equipped to defend against both surface
and air threats with stealth features to operate undetected, an innovative
hull design and electric propulsion to provide exceptional manoeuvrability.
The ship is capable of undertaking a range of operations including coastal
patrols, disaster relief, search and rescue, and deterrence operations.
Commodore Rashid Al-Raisi from the Royal Navy of Oman said: “We
are certain Al Shamikh will be an inspiration to the men of the Royal
Navy of Oman. She will be our flagship and the pride of the Sultan’s
armed forces.” |
