TEL AVIV — Israel, Turkey and the United States have completed a
search and rescue exercise in the Mediterranean Sea.
The joint exercise, which included aircraft, took place in late August
off the Israeli coast, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said the maneuvers had been designed to
enhance interoperability as well as reduced response time to a regional
naval crisis.
"The objective of this exercise was to practice and improve coordination
and cooperation between the forces," the Israeli military said on Aug. 22.
In all, the three navies provided seven vessels, three helicopters and
two fixed-wing aircraft for the exercise. The statement said the annual
exercise was deemed a success.
Also In This Edition
"The drill largely contributed to the ability of the air and naval
vessels of the three forces to respond faster and more efficiently to
maritime emergencies in the future as well as provide any required
humanitarian aid," the Israeli military said.
"As part of the exercise, the
forces held joint preparation discussions, preliminary training on land,
joint tours and
more."