Members of Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and United States Army Special Forces continue to carry out the joint Egyptian-American military exercises "Eagle Response 2018" in Egypt's territorial waters on the Red Sea, according to a statement issued by the Egyptian Armed Forces on Monday. Egyptian armed forces spokesman Tamer El-Refaei said that the initial stages of training took place over the past few days, including theoretical lectures, and training on data and field skills and combat tactics by the US special forces. The forces also carried out a number of exercises, including firing from various positions, "explosive ordnance disposal" which involves the safe detonation of explosives, and joint diving and combat operations management to secure maritime zones against different threats. The forces also carried out an exercise on search and rescue operations, and the right to visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training, which prepares forces to come up alongside and board another vessel. “All this is aimed at refining the skills of the participating members, unifying operational concepts and the exchange of training experiences,” the statement said. Refaie added that the training coincided with the arrival of US and UAE naval vessels in Egypt to participate in another joint naval training “Eagle Salute 2018.” The training began its first phase with an opening conference which included planned activities and procedures of command and control to unify the understanding of concepts between the participating forces. The conference also comprised of training on defence means against coastal and surface targets. “'Eagle Salute 2018' is one of the most important navy trainings, contributing to boost the means of military cooperation and the transfer and exchange of experience, and strengthening work on accomplishing maritime security between participating countries,” the statement concluded.
