Manama, December 25, 2022, SPA -- The Mixed Bilateral Naval Exercise (Bridge 23) is kicked off in Bahrain today between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces represented by the "Eastern Fleet" and the Royal Bahraini Navy Forces, in the presence of the Commander of the Royal Bahraini Navy, Rear Admiral Mohammed Yousef Al-Asam, and the Military Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Bahrain, Brigadier General Fahad bin Ibrahim Al-Thunayan, and senior officers participating in the exercise. Marine Colonel Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al-Osaimi, Director of the exercise, said that the "Bridge 23" exercise aims to raise the level of combat readiness of the participating units, standardize tactical concepts and implement joint operations, in addition to applying procedures for managing naval battles, command and control, and raising the efficiency of applying all forms of communication procedures. He added that the exercise is an extension of the "Bridge" series of exercises that are carried out periodically between the two countries, to enhance security cooperation and coordination, secure regional waters, and unify concepts and joint action. --SPA 20:48 LOCAL TIME 17:48 GMT 0017 www.spa.gov.sa/w1832076