Exercise Eagle Salute Increases Interoperability with Egyptian Maritime Forces

02.20.2007

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Kathryn Whittenberger 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathryn Whittenberger

MANAMA, Bahrain - Exercise Eagle Salute 07, a bilateral exercise between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Egyptian maritime forces, was held Feb. 3-8 in the Red Sea.

Eagle Salute continued a series of bilateral exercises between U.S. and Egyptian maritime forces, and enhanced military-to military relationships by flexing U.S. and Egyptian units' ability to communicate effectively. The exercise also consisted of damage control demonstrations and training, and officer exchanges between the participating units.

"Engagement with regional countries provides a mechanism to create a broad-based maritime coalition actively engaged in countering the terrorist threat both at sea and ashore," said Commanding Officer of USS Taylor (FFG 50), Cmdr. Kurush Morris. "Local countries have a vested interest in interoperability, knowledge sharing, and assistance with deterrence against international terrorist organizations that pose a threat to key infrastructure."

Coalition maritime forces operate throughout international waters in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea, conducting maritime security operations (MSO). MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or as a transport for personnel, weapons or other material.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2007
• Date Posted: 02.20.2007 16:02
• Story ID: 9193