The Duke of York, Vice Admiral, was received this morning at the United Kingdom Naval Support Facility, Mina Salman Port by The Crown Prince of Bahrain. His Royal Highness attended the opening ceremony of the first Royal Navy Facility East of the Suez Canal since 1971 on the site of the old HMS Jufair which was decommissioned on independence.
The ceremony saw the white ensign raised after the Naval Prayer from Royal Navy Chaplain Reverend David Conroy and a recitation from Imam Mohammed Abdul Aziz al Shami. The Duke of York spoke (of the United Kingdom’s close and longstanding defence and security relationship with the Kingdom of Bahrain.)
Following the ceremony His Royal Highness as Patron, Services Sound and Vision Corporation toured the welfare facility including the new BFBS radio station. The Duke of York met with crews of the two Minesweepers, HMS Ledbury and HMS Blyth who are both alongside the Facility. His Royal Highness commander Hunt Class Minesweeper HMS Cottesmore between 1993 and 1994.
The Duke of York presented Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to sailors before unveiling a plaque with The Crown Prince of Bahrain and taking part in a cake cutting ceremony with the most Junior Rating.
Before departing His Royal Highness attended a reception for British and Bahraini businesses in the new Naval Facility.
