“It was an example of partnership between the Israeli Navy and NATO. This is the second joint exercise of its kind between NATO maritime forces and the IDF,” Head of the Israeli Navy Planning and Organization Department, Cpt. Yuval Ayalon, told Jewish News Syndicate (JNS). “I am really happy to say that NATO sees the Israeli Navy as a partner in the eastern Mediterranean, in this case, for medical aid.”Commander of NATO’s Maritime Command, Vice Admiral Keith Blount from the Royal Navy, visited NATO units at Haifa Port and met with Israeli officials, including Chief of Staff of the Israeli Navy, Rear Admiral David Saar Salama.The North Atlantic Council can request that the Operation Sea Guardian preform certain maritime security operations including, “uphold freedom of navigation, conduct maritime interdiction, fight the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and protect critical infrastructure,” according to NATO.In August, 10 foreign fleets off the coast of Haifa participated in the five-day, large-scale “Mighty Waves,” exercise. Six ships and five helicopters participated in the exercise in which the after-effects of a significant 7.5 earthquake were simulated.Anna Ahronheim contributed to this report.#NATO Allies worked with the Navy on medical training in the #Mediterranean. The exercise improved #interoperability at sea, especially communications and helicopter manoeuvre and landing procedures, decreasing response time which will help save lives. #WeAreNATO https://t.co/y2sZlZojRx
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