He expressed happiness at the dedication and sincerity with which the armed forces were serving the land of the Two Holy Mosques. Prince Salman was given a guard of honor on arrival at the base.

Prince Salman was received by Chief of General Staff Gen. Hussein Al-Qubail, Commander of the Eastern Region Maj. Gen. Ali Asiri and Commander of the Eastern Fleet of the Navy Rear Adm. Abdulkareem Abu-Al-Ela and other senior officers.

Addressing the leaders and soldiers of the Eastern Fleet of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Prince Salman conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to them, wishing them every success in their duties.

He was taken on a tour of the large base during which he inquired about combat readiness of the forces.

Prince Salman also watched an air show featuring fighter planes from the base. Addressing the force, he expressed satisfaction over the preparedness of the fleet and its leadership, confirming that the Saudi armed forces with all its branches — land, navy, air and air defense forces — are fully geared to protect the country and its sanctuaries, values, principles and religion.

“You are responsible for ensuring the Kingdom’s security. We are proud of your unity in protecting the country, and we will strive to safeguard this nation,” he said.

Prince Salman also attended a lunch held in his honor at the base.

Prince Salman was accompanied by Eastern Province Gov. Prince Mohammad bin Fahd and Deputy Gov. Jelawi bin Abdul Aziz.

The defense minister was very impressed by the meticulous arrangements at the base. “It was a very colorful and very well-organized ceremony,” said a journalist covering the event. “It was a sheer delight to watch the young officers in action; they inspired a lot of confidence.”

Prince Salman also visited the first phase of the Prince Mohammad bin Fahd low-cost Housing Project and the Princess Jawaher Mashail Charity Center in Dammam.