Royal Navy of Oman
In May 1960, a decade before the beginning of the glorious renaissance a naval wing known as the "Coastal Patrol" was established. This small unit gradually expanded into a naval force with the introduction of several more naval assets. On 1 February, 1971, His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may Allah rest his soul in peace- issued a Royal Decree establishing the Sultan of Oman’s Naval Forces, followed by directives to engage in the rapid development of an Omani Navy. This involved the establishment of a naval base in Khor Al-Mukalla, Muscat, called Sultan bin Ahmed Naval Base. With the reorganization of the Ministry of Defence in 1976, and the separation of each of the service branches, the Sultan of Oman’s Naval Forces became known as the Sultan of Oman’s Navy, and navy headquarters was transferred to Al-Murtafa'a Camp. The navy underwent a further change of name on July 13 1990, when it was renamed the Royal Navy of Oman. It has since gone on to become a highly-efficient naval force, equipped with the latest combat systems, enabling it to provide naval support to the Sultan's Armed Forces and perform missions covering different scenarios in a variety of conditions. The Royal Navy of Oman has commissioned various categories and sizes of ship, at regular intervals, all equipped with sophisticated weaponry and technology. The fleet includes corvettes, rocket and artillery vessels, landing vessels, training ships and sailing ships. The investment in the navy has been commensurate with the importance of Oman’s strategic location overlooking the East-West commercial crossroads and the most important waterway, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the world's energy port and gateway to the Gulf. The Royal Navy of Oman has been equipped to defend Oman’s national sovereignty over its territorial seas and exclusive economic zones. The responsibilities of the Royal Navy of Oman are wide-ranging and extend to protecting the naval bases, naval installations and sea ports of Oman, conducting maritime search and rescue operations, providing disaster aid and assistance, rescuing stricken vessels, fighting fire and pollution at sea, protecting fisheries and other marine and natural resources, tackling piracy, illegal migration and combating smuggling. It also provides the Sultan's Armed Forces and other national military and security agencies with maritime transport along the coast of the Sultanate. In addition, the Royal Navy of Oman supports the Sultanate of Oman's foreign relations and diplomatic efforts by using its sailing vessel “Shabab Oman II” to take part in mutual visits to friendly countries and to participate in festivals and international regattas in different parts of the world. Shabab Oman II has been commissioned to sail around the world to preserve the sultanate’s maritime legacy, spread peace and understanding and foster international relations. The Royal Navy of Oman also works closely with Sail Training International to organize events leading to the annual award of the Sultan Qaboos Sailing Trophy, which was inaugurated under the auspices of His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said - may Allah rest his soul in peace - in order to promote sailing skills and youth development. The Royal Navy of Oman provides two further important maritime services. Drawing on the expertise of the Oman National Hydrographic Office, the Royal Navy of Oman is able to ensure navigational safety in Omani waters. Furthermore, thanks to its Hyperbaric Unit which provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the Royal Navy of Oman is able to treat decompression illness and other dive-related injuries.
