More than 50 US service members are participating in the exercise, which kicked off in Haifa along Israel’s coast.
By United with Israel Staff
The US and Israeli navies in Haifa kicked off an annual joint maritime security exercise, US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) announced.
Known as “Intrinsic Defender,” the exercise, which is to last two-weeks, “seeks to enhance navy-to-navy cooperation and operational readiness,” according to NAVCENT.
“Israel is one of our most capable maritime partners and these exercises further underscore historic military cooperation achieved in recent years,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “Training and operating together strengthens regional maritime security and stability.”
More than 50 US service members will participate in this year’s exercise with their Israeli counterparts on tasks including explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasures, maritime and global health management, underwater construction, maritime surveillance and vessel boarding procedures, according to NAVCENT.
“This is a significant exercise which constitutes an opportunity for joint learning, strategic and operational enhancement and the strengthening of the shared dialogue between the fleets,” the IDF said, according to Israel National News. “Furthermore, it assists in promoting regional partnerships to thwart the threats that the region is facing.”