Wednesday, April 26, 2017

US, Egypt Commence Exercise Eagle Salute 2017

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyrell K. Morris, USS Truxton Public Affairs
RED SEA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy with the Egyptian Naval Forces commenced exercise
Eagle Salute 2017 in the Red Sea, April 23.

Eagle Salute 2017 incorporates Eagle Response 2017, an explosive ordnance exercise,
to provide opportunities for participating nations to collaborate on an even wider range
of maritime security operations. These exercises focus on sharing knowledge and
experiences in order to enhance solid regional partnerships.

Several vessels will participate in the exercise including guided-missile destroyer USS
Truxtun (DDG 103) and Egyptian Naval Force guided-missile frigate ENS Taba
(F 916).

"We are fortunate to have this opportunity to strengthen our maritime security
capabilities and our relationship with the participating nations," said Cmdr. Troy
Denison, Truxtun commanding officer. "Exercises like Eagle Salute provide our
Sailors the unique chance to learn from our allied countries and show them
what we can do."

The exercise began with a harbor phase focused on team-building activities.

Events included a sports day and a "damage control olympics," a friendly competition
in firefighting, hose handling and pipe patching, concluding with a reception. The
exercise will end with an at-sea phase involving a live-fire gunnery exercise, division
tactics in which multiple ships maneuver in close proximity and a joint air defense
exercise.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command conducts more than 20 bilateral and multilateral
exercises with partner nations throughout the region each year. Exercise Eagle Salute
is one of numerous exercises vital to the U.S. Navy's theater security cooperation
efforts in building and enhancing solid regional and international relationships.