April 2019 49 www.bahrainthismonth.com unitedkingdomsupplement Cdr Paul Windsar RN enlightens BTM about his role as British Defence Attaché and an important family connection to the island. Please tell us a little about your background. You have built an excellent military career over 35-plus years. Would you say life in the military has benefitted you in both professional and personal aspects? I have enjoyed, and still enjoy each day, every aspect of being in the military; from an immediate sense of belonging at the age of 16, on the day I joined the Royal Navy, in 1980, through the training and experiences I have been fortunate to be a part of; seeing and sharing the ups and downs in the world that have, on occasions, required us to fight to protect all that, and those, we hold dear. As well, of course, as celebrating momentous occasions – such as the end of the Berlin Wall, Royal Weddings and births, military unions and unique periods in my 35-plus years. However, shining bright as a beacon, in among all the positives of my career, and also during the unsettled times where we all have to dig that little bit deeper, it is people, friends and family that matter the most and I would consider to be the best part What does your role as British Defence Attaché entail? I am very privileged to work within a close-knit and friendly British Embassy with a great team who made me feel welcome. For us all, relationships and being one cohesive group is key to supporting His Excellency the Ambassador and ensuring our wider joined-up friendships with Bahrain. In Bahrain I am fortunate to wear four hats: that of Naval Attaché, Military Attaché (land), Air Attaché and overall Defence Attaché. I have a small, focused and dedicated Defence Section consisting of an Army Staff Sergeant and a UK locally employed civilian. We join with our embassy colleagues to promote and achieve government policies. Specifically, my The Importance of Military and Family Alliances Cdr Paul Windsar RN team builds UK-Bahrain military relationships, security, capacity, capability and prosperity with a defence focus but within a broader fusion of diplomatic, political and military engagements. Our UK-Bahrain relationship is over 200 years in the making, is strong and we seek ways to continue to work closely and achieve stronger bonds. My father always taught me that it is important never to take a friendship for granted. As the British Defence Attaché, I am the Chief of Defence Staff’s personal representative in Bahrain. My working day, every day and evening, is extremely rewarding and varied. It requires me to mix diplomacy, intellect, tact, strategic thinking and decisiveness, initiative; have moral courage, independence, maturity and confidence. It can be challenging but is always enjoyable. What does the Royal Navy do here and what do the new Naval Support Facilities (NSF) bring to Bahrain? The British Embassy has a very close relationship with the Royal Navy in Bahrain. The role in both Bahrain and the Middle East is very broad and can be best understood in the following activities: Preparedness for contingencies – The yearround presence of high-readiness Royal Navy assets provides the UK government with a choice of options in the event of a humanitarian crisis or a deterioration in regional security. Disrupting piracy – Piracy threatens international shipping in the Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Horn of Africa and has a knock-on effect on the world economy. It has a human cost for merchant seafarers and their families. We realise that navies cannot stop piracy alone, as it has its roots in political instability ashore, but they can deter and disrupt attacks, making it harder for pirates to operate. The Royal Navy deploys frigates and Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ships, together with maritime patrol helicopters and Royal Marine boarding teams with medical backup. Royal Navy personnel often lead or augment command teams directing multinational operations. At the height of piracy in 2013, a World Bank report suggested that piracy in
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