United States, Egyptian navies hold joint exercise

July 6 (UPI) -- The United States and Eygptian navies recently conducted exercises in the Red Sea, the Navy said.

A passing exercise was conducted between and Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group the Egyptian navy's guided-missile frigate ENS Taba.

The PASSEX exercise involves multiple ships operating in close proximity. The countries engaged in the operation in order to test interoperability, knowledge and navigation capabilities.

"Our strike group's transit through the Red Sea with the Egyptian Navy is a great example of our continued commitment to regional partners," Rear Adm. Scott F. Robertson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2, said in a Monday press release.

"We look forward to future opportunities with our Egyptian counterparts to enhance trust, cooperation and mutual respect. In short, we are more ready and stronger together," Robertson said.

The exercise was conducted June 29 and involved the Egyptian Taba and aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as the USS Vella Gulf.

Those involved performed maneuvers to enhance the awareness and competence with an aim at increasing ship handling ability, Robertson said.

The Red Sea is a strategic passageway that must be protected to allow for international trade. The IKE CSG operates in the area of the U.S. 5th Fleet to ensure maritime security and stability from the Mediterranean through the western Indian Ocean, according to the Navy.