The United States honored Egyptian Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Admiral Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed with a personal military decoration from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), recognizing his leadership and significant contributions to maritime security in the region. The award was presented by Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff during a ceremonial reception aboard the USS Truxtun (DDG-103), currently docked in Alexandria.
The reception, held at Ras El Tin Naval Headquarters, followed high-level discussions between senior naval officials from Egypt and the United States. Talks focused on enhancing maritime cooperation and securing critical international waterways including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
U.S. Ambassador Mustafa Garg praised Egypt’s strategic role in fostering regional stability and emphasized the importance of a strong and enduring naval partnership. “It is a great honor to recognize the service and dedication of our Egyptian naval partners,” Ambassador Garg stated. “Egypt, the region, and the entire world are safer and more prosperous because of our commitment to protecting freedom of navigation. Together, the United States and Egypt are building a safer and more prosperous future.”
Colonel David Kobbs, Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, echoed the Ambassador’s message, affirming that “The U.S.-Egypt military partnership is essential for regional stability and the free flow of commerce. Our navies work together daily to make our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
The event highlighted Egypt’s leadership in regional maritime coalitions, most notably its recent command of Combined Task Force 153, an international initiative focused on ensuring maritime security in key shipping lanes. The ceremony also reaffirmed more than four decades of U.S.-Egypt defense cooperation, including through major initiatives like the BRIGHT STAR exercises, joint naval trainings, and military exchange programs.
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