U.S. Navy and Israeli Navy Conduct Drills

In an effort to help step up patrols after the deadly attacks on the MT Mercer Street off the coast of Oman, a joint naval operation took place in the Red Sea to bolster the relationship between the U.S. Navy and the Israeli Navy.

As the U.S. Department of Defense shifts Israel from the U.S. European Command to the U.S. Central Command’s (NAVCENT) area of responsibility, four Israeli and U.S. Navy ships have sailed together in the Gulf of Aqaba.

As a P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft hovered overhead, guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) steamed alongside an Israeli Navy corvette and two patrol boats. The units undertook multiple air and high-value defense, small boat operations, and tactical maneuver trainings.

“Our navies are ushering in a new era of expanded cooperation and capacity building,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT and Combined Maritime Forces.