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Bataan Welcomes Egyptian Navy Officers for Suez Transit

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120119-08
1/19/2012

From Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) welcomed two Egyptian navy officers aboard for a Suez Canal transit, Jan. 10.

The professional exchange between Bataan and the Egyptian navy is part of the theater security cooperation efforts to strengthen military-to-military interoperability.

Egyptian Navy officers Lt. Cmdr. Ramy Mohamed, commander, Fast Patrol Boat 271, and Lt. Mohamed Mohamed Nabil, commander, Amphibious Ship 334, said that although their ships have escorted U.S. Navy ships through the canal many times, this was their first time going through while aboard a U.S. Navy ship.

The two officers were given a tour of the ship's bridge, foc'sle, medical department, flight deck, hangar bay, and well deck.

"The bridge and the flight deck were huge," said Mohamed. "This is the first time I've seen the [MV-22 Osprey and AV-8 Harrier] up close."

"It's awesome," said Nabil. "The ship is in order and everyone is smiling. The medical place was my favorite; it was just like a hospital, and had so much equipment. It was amazing to think you can take care of everything at sea."

Bataan appreciated the opportunity to host the officers, and to show them the ship's capabilities, as part of a cultural exchange.

"It was an awesome opportunity to have our Egyptian guests on board as we transited through their country on our way home," said Capt. Erik M. Ross, Bataan's commanding officer. The fact that the transit was as safe, smooth and professional as it was is an indication of the strong relationship our two countries share."

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) deployed March 23, and has since conducted maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and military exercises with regional partners in the U.S. 5th and 6th fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).

The Makin Island ARG relieved the Bataan ARG in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR, Jan. 5.