U.S. and Egyptian Navies Unite for Strategic Red Sea Exercise

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY – The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) teamed up with the Egyptian Navy’s El-Suez-class corvette ENS Abu Qir (F941) for a significant bilateral exercise in the Red Sea on October 19.

This collaborative exercise followed the USS Stockdale’s visit to the port of Safaga, Egypt. During this stop, commanding officer Cmdr. Lauren Johnson and Egyptian Navy Commodore Ramy Ahmed Ismael Mohamed convened to discuss strategies to enhance communication and cooperation between the U.S. and Egyptian navies in the strategic waters of the Red Sea.

Cmdr. Lauren Johnson expressed her appreciation of the joint operations, stating, “Stockdale and Abu Qir sailing together showcases U.S. and Egypt’s partnership and commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and security of the seas.” She further noted the welcoming reception by the Egyptian naval base and emphasized this exercise as a crucial step in fortifying the relationship between the two nations.

At sea, the two naval forces engaged in coordinated maneuvers and tactical communications aimed at bolstering their operational interoperability. The exercise saw the deployment of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, launched from the USS Stockdale, which conducted flight operations to complement the maritime activities.

This exercise underscores the robust U.S.-Egyptian military alliance, reflecting a long-standing partnership that contributes substantially to the stability and security of the region. The collaboration is a testament to the enduring strategic ties between the countries.

Operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area, which spans approximately 2.5 million square miles, these naval operations are crucial in strategic zones such as the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea. This region features key maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb, which are pivotal for global trade and security.