The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) on Sunday organised a reception for Al Shamikh, the first of the three Khareef class warships built by BAE Systems under the sultanate's Project Khareef.
H.E. Sayyid Badr bin Saud al Busaidi, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs, inaugurated the ceremony held at the Said bin Sultan Naval Base, where he, along with Naval Commanders, greeted the vessel upon its arrival to join the RNO fleet.

Speaking to the media, H.E. Busaidi said, “Today we celebrate the arrival of Al Shamikh into the waters of the sultanate, the first ship of Project Khareef, which would contribute to the strengthening of military capabilities and capacities of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) which enjoys the Royal care and attention of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.”

H.E. Busaidi also thanked RNO Commanders, personnel and crew who were on Al Shamikh during its maiden voyage from the UK where she was built.

Captain Qasim bin Mohammed al Balushi, Commander of Al Shamikh, expressed his pride in leading the vessel into Oman's waters. He said that Al Shamikh is the most modern of RNO ships.

Lt. General Ahmed bin Harith al Nabhani, Chief of Staff of SAF, Undersecretary in UK's Defence Ministry, civil and military officials and the British Ambassador to Oman were present at the reception.