Exercise Eagle Defender, a US-Egypt exercise held last month, is the latest demonstration of the two nations' commitment to regional security.

For the first time, the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard joined the Egyptian Naval Force in executing the joint Eagle Defender drill in Safaga, Egypt, and in the Red Sea September 8 to 20.

The drill focused on integrating unmanned systems in a joint maritime exercise -- a critical focus because of the increasing role of unmanned and autonomous systems in today's security environment.

Joint Egyptian and US teams conducted drills that centered on explosive ordnance disposal, mine countermeasures and harbor defense.

Practice in these areas built capacity for US and Egyptian forces, strengthening their ability to ensure freedom of navigation and protect against major maritime threats.

Eagle Defender saw the USS Michael Murphy, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer, sailing alongside Egyptian ships in the US 5th Fleet's area of operations.

The Michael Murphy presence in the exercise signifies the United States' resolve to prepare, train and collaborate in response to the specific needs of the region.

The US Navy's 5th Fleet oversees the security of almost 2.5 million square miles of water, including three of the world's most critical chokepoints: the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Fortifying freedom of navigation in these chokepoints promotes regional and international trade, prosperity and security.

Security cooperation with Egypt

Egypt is a major partner of the United States with collaborative missions focused on counterterrorism, anti-trafficking and regional cooperation, which enhance both US and Egyptian security.

Since the military partnership's inception in 1978, the United States has provided over $50 billion in military assistance to Egypt, promoting both countries' mutual security.

This assistance has helped Egypt meet the evolving terrorist threats in the Sinai Peninsula and elsewhere.

US military leaders remain committed to engaging with Egypt. In both May and July, US Central Command commander Gen. Erik "Mike" Kurilla visited Cairo to speak with Egyptian military leaders.

Together, they discussed regional security concerns, including threats in the Red Sea, and affirmed the 45-year commitment between the US and Egyptian militaries.

The US military prizes the expansion of cooperation and reciprocal expertise sharing with its partners, and it routinely conducts exercises with partner nations in the Middle East.

This collaboration fosters intercultural understanding between forces and demonstrates the mutual commitments to a secure, prosperous and peaceful Middle East.