U.S. Applauds Egyptian Leadership in Red Sea for Strengthening Regional Security

For more than 40 years, U.S.-Egypt defense cooperation has been a fundamental component of our strategic partnership, and the relationship between our two great navies has accelerated in recent years. In 2021, Egypt joined the U.S. Navy in eight naval exercises. Last year, our major engagements increased to 13, including an unprecedented joint patrol in the Red Sea with ENS Alexandria (F 911), USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and a U.S. Navy surface drone.

June 12 marked exactly six months since Egypt started leading – for the first time – a Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) operational staff since joining the 38-nation naval partnership in 2021. The Egyptian Navy has been commanding Combined Task Force 153, an international naval group formed last year to focus on the Red Sea. Its sailors have demonstrated remarkable professionalism at every step, and U.S. 5th Fleet along with the entire multinational CMF staff couldn’t be more honored and proud to have witnessed their historic success.

CMF launched Combined Task Force 153 in April 2023 to enhance regional maritime security cooperation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden. Naval forces who share a commitment to regional maritime security and stability best operate when we train and lead together. Partner efforts have flourished under Egypt’s leadership.

As U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during his most recent visit to Cairo earlier this year, “The U.S. partnership with Egypt is strong and it demonstrates our shared commitment to regional security and stability.” In recent months, more than 100 Egyptian Sailors have trained side by side with U.S. Sailors across the region, and the United States Navy had the distinct honor of transferring three patrol craft that now proudly fly the Egyptian flag.

The Egyptian Navy’s groundbreaking command of Task Force 153 has made our ties even stronger. Egypt’s contributions to safeguarding against smugglers, traffickers, and pirates is crucial to global commerce. Egypt has been a steadfast partner in promoting peace and stability across the region, and we are grateful the strategic maritime relationship continues to grow each day.

As we look ahead, we will continue to strengthen bilateral ties between our navies to promote regional security, stability and prosperity. Our security is tied to the sea and each other, which is why our nations remain deeply committed to advancing maritime security cooperation together, as partners and as leaders.