United States, Egyptian, United Arab Emirates military leaders observe "Eagle Salute"

Military leaders from the United States, Egypt, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited the US Navy ship USS Bulkeley on Wednesday to observe the trilateral "Eagle Salute" naval exercises, a press release issued by the US Embassy in Cairo said on Thursday.

"Held in the Red Sea, Eagle Salute began on March 14 and concludes on March 24. This year’s Eagle Salute exercises include search and rescue, helicopter operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and search and seizure drills. Divers from the three navies have been conducting drills on explosive ordinance disposal and countering improvised explosive devices. Warships from the three countries and hundreds of naval personnel from Egypt, the United States, and the UAE are participating in the exercise," the statement said.

"The US Embassy’s Defense Attaché Major General Charles Hooper and several members of the Egyptian Armed Forces leadership traveled to the USS Bulkeley’s by helicopter on March 23 in order to witness firsthand a daytime gunnery exercise, which included firing rounds from the USS Bulkeley’s five-inch cannon," it added.

"Conducting exercises with the Egyptian Navy is important to both of our nations, due to Egypt’s vital role in the region. The Eagle Salute exercises are emblematic of our strong friendship and enduring commitment to military cooperation. Our nations are working to confront a common threat in the region, and we must work together to defend against it," said Major General Hooper.

"The United States and Egypt have jointly conducted the Eagle Salute exercises since 1991 to broaden cooperation, enhance mutual maritime capability, and increase tactical proficiency. In 2013, the Eagle Salute expanded to include the UAE's navy," the statement said.

"The USS Bulkeley is an Arleigh Burke class, guided-missile destroyer deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations," it concluded. 

Source : MENA