Wed 01 September 2021:
The Israeli navy yesterday joined the US maritime security patrol in the Red Sea for the first time, Ynet News and the Jerusalem Post reported.
Ynet News reported that the forces practiced search and rescue scenarios and defensive manoeuvers in an area where maritime trading routes have been at risk.
The Jerusalem Post said the patrol was carried out with the US Naval Forces Central Command’s 5th Fleet in the Red Sea and included three Israeli vessels which sailed alongside the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey and a US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft that flew overhead.
Head of Israeli naval operations Brigadier General Daniel Hagari said that the strategic cooperation between the forces is vital for regional security and that of the State of Israel.
He added: “This exercise is the beginning of a cooperation that will expand and increase the circles of defence and security in the maritime space to prevent terrorist acts.”
An Israeli army spokesperson described the patrol as the “opening shot” for joint work between the Israeli Navy and the 5th Fleet as part of Israel’s move to CENTCOM’s area of responsibility from EUCOM.
Vice Admiral, Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, US 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, said: “Our navies are ushering in a new era of expanded cooperation and capacity building.”
He added: “We are partnering in new ways, which is essential for preserving security in today’s dynamic maritime environment.”
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