US Navy conducts maritime exercise with Lebanon

US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have kicked off exercise Resolute Union 2022.

The annual exercise focuses on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal.

Approximately 60 US personnel from the US Navy, US Marine Corps, US Army and US Coast Guard are participating.

“For 22 years, the Resolute Union exercises have built collaboration between our armed forces and ensured the LAF are prepared to carry out their mission,” said US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy C. Shea.

“Despite all the challenges facing the LAF this year in the context of Lebanon’s economic crisis, they have shown extraordinary commitment and the United States will continue to offer our full support to all their efforts.”

“This is an excellent opportunity to work with our highly capable Lebanese partners and strengthen our relationship,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, US 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.

NAVCENT is headquartered in Manama, Bahrain and includes US forces operating in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

Last month, forces from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the US conducted a 10-day military exercise Neon Defender off the coast of Bahrain. The exercise focuses on maritime security operations, installation defense and medical response. The Bahrain Coast Guard also participated.