Egyptian and US naval forces held a military exercise in the Southern Fleet operation zone in the Red Sea to enhance the combat capabilities of naval units and to bolster security and maritime stability in the region, said a statement by the Egyptian Armed Forces on Wednesday.

The exercise involved the participation of the Egyptian frigate Sharm El-Sheikh and the US amphibious ship USS SOMERSET- LPD 25.

The exercises comprised a set of different maritime combat activities, including exercises to counter atypical maritime threats, analyses of situations (surface, air, subsurface, and electronic), transportation exercises, as well as training on maritime security procedures in the areas of operation in the Red Sea.

The military exercises come as an affirmation of the strategic partnership and extended bilateral relations between the Egyptian armed forces and their US counterparts, said the statement.

Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Armed Forces

Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Armed Forces

Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Armed Forces