Operation Reliant Mermaid is the name of the military exercise that took place in the Mediterranean between Israel and the United States last week. The major training event focused on marine search and rescue and also involved chopper landing on ships and live fire training. As usual, officials released a statement to the media that the timing of the major training event was not at all related to current events, but it was planned some time ago and part of ongoing joint military cooperation.

Commander David A. Bretz of the USS Jason Dunham, a missile destroyer, expressed his delight over being part of the exercise. He was showered with praise by Israel Navy officials, including Captain Niv Bar-Ilan, who relished the opportunity to learn more about the US Navy and how each crew member has a specific assignment as opposed to Israeli sailors who are expected to be proficient in several duties.

In the past, Turkey was a major participant in the joint exercises but much has changed since the breakdown in relations between Israel and Turkey and Ankara’s participation in military exercises with Israel is now a thing of the past.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)