Today concluded the visit of VAdm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. fifth Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. The visit included a series of professional meetings and briefings, as well as participation in a commemoration ceremony in memory of the Israeli Navy's fallen service members at Elisheva Garden in Ashdod.

At the center of the visit, VAdm. Cooper met with the Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy, VAdm. David Saar Salama. As well as meetings and discussions with the Minister of Defense, Mr. Benny Gantz, IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kohavi and Head of the IDF's International Cooperation Division, Brigadier General Effie Defrin. Sources present at these discussions say that the discussions were lively and held positive outcomes.

"Our commitment to Israel is unwavering and this visit highlighted the importance of our decades-long strategic relationship,” said Cooper. “The recent alignment of Israel to U.S. Central Command opens new opportunities to deepen our naval ties and enhance regional maritime security and stability."

This visit is VAdm. Cooper’s second in Israel. Since entering his current position in May 2021, the Admiral has already conducted one previous visit in July, the Israeli Navy and Fifth Fleet have conducted a joint exercise in the Red Sea, and the Admiral hosted MK Yair Lapid in Bahrain for a joint discussion as part of a larger visit to the country.

Even though the visit has reached its end, whether you are serving aboard a vessel with the Star of David flag or the red and white stripes, all eyes are set on the promising future between the two forces. “When talking about the future between the forces,” continued Salama, “it’s important to look at the joint yearly plan which we are building together with our friends in the Fifth Fleet and the potential it holds. There is a general feeling of positive momentum amongst all the different levels, alongside the continuous evolution of the maritime threats which demand us to constantly give the best and quickest solutions we can."