Omani corvette named

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PORTSMOUTH, England, June 28 (UPI) -- The final corvette under construction by BAE Systems-UK for the Royal Navy of Oman has formally been named at a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base.

The vessel was named Al Rasikh by Lt. Gen. Hassan Mohsin Al Sharaiqi, the inspector general of police and customs of Oman.

"We have developed a close working relationship with the Royal Navy of Oman as we work in partnership to deliver the Khareef corvettes," said Mick Ord, managing director of BAE Systems' Surface Ships division.

"These highly sophisticated ships are fitted with complex weapons and high-quality accommodation with exceptional sea keeping ability. I have no doubt that Al Rasikh, and her sister ships, will be a valued asset within the Royal Navy of Oman's surface fleet."

Al Rasikh, the third and last corvette being built for the sultanate, is part of Project Khareef, signed in 2007, for the design and build of three state-of-the-art, 99-meter corvettes for the RNO. In addition to construction of the ships, BAE Systems is also delivering training for RNO personnel and an initial logistics support package for the ships.

The corvettes will be used to protect Omani territorial waters, conducting coastal patrols in peacetime, with the ability to conduct search and rescue, as well as disaster relief, while providing oceangoing capability for use in deterrent operations during times of tension.