The US Navy honored Egyptian Navy Commander-in-Chief Vice Adm. Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed in April, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening its partnership with Egypt through mutual respect and trust.

US Navy Vice Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command and US 5th Fleet, presented Megahed with a personal military decoration from US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The commendation honored the Egyptian Navy Commander for his leadership and contributions to maritime security.

The reception was held aboard USS Truxtun, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, during a ship visit at Ras El Tin naval headquarters in Alexandria.

It followed high-level discussions between Egyptian and US officials regarding maritime security collaboration, with a focus on freedom of navigation in critical waterways such as the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden.

Egypt borders some of the world's most significant waterways, including the Suez Canal, which connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

Between 12 and 15% of worldwide trade and about 30% of global container traffic pass through the Suez Canal each year, along with about 8% of the world’s seaborne oil traffic and liquefied natural gas.

A strategic partner

USS Truxton's visit reinforced the US presence in strategic waterways.

And the presentation of a commendation to Megahed highlighted Egypt’s importance as a strategic partner to the United States and its role as a key collaborator in maritime security.

"It is a great honor to recognize the service and dedication of our Egyptian naval partners," US Ambassador to Egypt Mustafa Garg said.

"Egypt, the region, and the entire world are safer and more prosperous because of our commitment to protecting freedom of navigation," she said.

"Together, the United States and Egypt are working to build a safer and more prosperous future for both our great nations and the world."

"The US-Egypt military partnership is essential for regional stability and the free flow of commerce," said US Army Col. David Kobs, defense attaché at the US Embassy.

"Our navies work together daily to make our countries safer, stronger and more prosperous," he said.