WASHINGTON — The United States has approved the transfer of surplus
naval vessels to Egypt and other allies in the Middle East.
The House of Representatives has ratified the transfer of two
minesweepers to Egypt. The Osprey-class minesweepers would come from U.S.
Navy surplus and at least one of the ships would be donated, Middle East Newsline reported.
The Bush administration has pressed for the U.S. transfer of surplus
minesweepers to Egypt. Officials said the move would enable Egypt to help
secure the Suez Canal and its approaches, a major route for U.S. military
ships.
The Egyptian navy has six T-43 class minesweepers as well as four
Yurka-class minesweepers. Officials said Egypt has sought to modernize its
fleet.
The Osprey-class vessel has been deemed the world's largest fiberglass
minehunter. The vessel, armed with two .50 caliber machine guns and
high-definition, variable-depth sonar, was designed to survive the shock of
underwater explosions. The ship also contains an unmanned submarine used to
neutralize mines.
On Dec. 7, the House also approved the export of two Osprey-class
minesweepers from the U.S. Navy to Greece. Officials said one U.S.
minesweeper would be donated to Greece and the other one sold.
Under the House vote, the United States would also transfer two naval
destroyers to Turkey. Pakistan would receive another surplus destroyer and
India would acquire an amphibious operations ship.
