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PERSIAN GULF (May 14, 2008) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) leads a formation of the coalition ships including the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), the Bahraini Navy frigate RBNS Al Manama (FPBGH 50), the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F 111), the United Arab Emirates Navy missile boat UAENS Mubarraz (P4401) and the fleet ocean tug USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168). The multi-lateral Goalkeeper III exercise includes participation from Bahrain, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Great Britain and the U.S. The exercise is designed to train forces in various aspects of maritime security operations as well as command and control functions with the Royal Bahraini naval staff. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson (RELEASED)

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