Naval forces from Lebanon, the United States, and regional partners recently concluded a nine-day maritime exercise onshore and near the coast of Lebanon
The exercise, known as Resolute Union 2023, was a collaboration between U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). It also involved counterparts from Egypt, France, Iraq, Jordan, and the United Kingdom. The focus of this year’s exercise was on improving maritime awareness, operations, command and control, force protection, and infrastructure defense.
With over 100 international participants, including nearly 20 service members from the United States, Resolute Union provided a unique opportunity for exchanging expertise and knowledge. The NAVCENT team included experts in explosive ordnance disposal, civil affairs, maritime security, maritime law, joint planning, and amphibious operations.
This year, U.S. personnel took on the role of observers and trainers, allowing their LAF partners to take the lead in training drills. This approach aimed to enhance the maritime capabilities of the LAF in crucial areas.
“While we have conducted Resolute Union for many years, this year the U.S. supported the exercise in an observer and trainer capacity,” remarked Lt. Cmdr. Antoni Wyszynski from U.S. 5th Fleet’s task force for expeditionary combat operations, Task Force 56. “It is encouraging to see the joint efforts of partner nations to support the development of Lebanon’s interoperability and maritime security.”
The Resolute Union exercises have been instrumental in fostering collaboration between the Lebanese and U.S. armed forces for the past 23 years. In 2022, 60 U.S. service members participated in drills focused on maritime security operations, mine countermeasures, and explosive ordnance disposal, working alongside their LAF counterparts.
NAVCENT, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain, oversees U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean, and three critical chokepoints—the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Bab al-Mandeb.
To learn more about the annual maritime exercise between the U.S. and Lebanon, visit the U.S. 5th Fleet website.