A member of the Lebanese Army operates a rigid-hull inflatable boat in the Mediterranean Sea during small boat operations as part of exercise Resolute Union 21 at Jounieh Naval Base, Lebanon, May 18, 2021. (Credit: Handout/US Navy)
BEIRUT — United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Lebanese Army “kicked off exercise Resolute Union 2022, the annual exercise focused on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal,” NAVCENT said in a statement Tuesday.
Here’s what we know:
• “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,” US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea said Tuesday. “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.”
• According to NAVCENT, approximately 60 personnel from the US Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard are participating in the exercise.
• “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 on Tuesday. “Working together enhances regional security and stability.”
• "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,” NAVCENT also said in their statement.