CH-53E Super Stallions assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepare to take off from the flight deck of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17), April 18, 2013. The 26th MEU is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Juanenrique Owings, 26th MEU Combat Camera/Released)
DOHA, QATAR — U.S. forces joined their Qatari hosts and Gulf Cooperation Council regional partners today to begin Eagle Resolve, an annual multilateral naval, land and air exercise. The exercise is being conducted at various locations throughout Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, from April 21-May 6.
Eagle Resolve is a multi-national event designed to support cooperative defense. This year’s scenarios will focus on: integrated air and missile defense; consequence management; critical infrastructure protection; counter-terrorism, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-passive defense; and interdiction and border security.
Exercise Eagle Resolve demonstrates U.S. Central Command’s dedication to GCC regional partners and the combined efforts to sustain regional security and stability.
“Eagle Resolve has been the premier USCENTCOM exercise with our Gulf partner nations since its inception in 1999,” stated Maj. Gen. Robert Catalanotti, USCENTCOM’s director of exercises and training. “This exercise is designed to challenge our military forces in a variety of disciplines in the air, on land and at sea. Our goal is to build relationships and capabilities that will bring us closer together and enhance the region’s stability. We are grateful to Qatar for hosting the exercise and for providing world-class venues and support to the 14 participating nations.”
Regularly scheduled exercises such as Eagle Resolve allow U.S. forces the opportunity to operate with, contribute to, and learn from their Gulf partners, all while promoting long-term peace in the region.
Eagle Resolve provides multilateral forces with the opportunity to increase proficiency, expand levels of cooperation, enhance maritime capabilities, promote long-term regional stability, and promote interoperability. Approximately 2,000 U.S. military personnel from all services will participate in the exercise, along with U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and ships.
A fact sheet for Exercise Eagle Resolve 13 can be found at http://www.centcom.mil and http://www.dvidshub.net/feature/EagleResolve Quest.ions can be addressed to U.S. Central Command at (813) 529-0220.