Admiral Renshaw ends Israel visit after discussing naval coordination

U.S. Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Kurt Renshaw met with Israeli Navy Commander Eyal Harel to discuss maritime activity in “various theaters” and the security of shipping lanes, according to a statement by the Israeli military.

U.S. Fifth Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Kurt Renshaw concluded a visit to Israel on Friday, during which he discussed cooperation between the two countries’ naval forces with Israeli Navy commanders, according to a statement issued by the Israeli military.

The statement said Renshaw, who commands the Fifth Fleet under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), headquartered in Bahrain, met during the visit with Israeli Navy Commander Maj. Gen. Eyal Harel and several senior naval officers.

قائد الأسطول الخامس الأمريكي كيرت رينشو مع ضباط إسرائيليين على متن قطعة بحرية

Shipping, coordination and technology exchange

According to the statement, the meetings addressed “naval activity during combat in various theaters,” strengthening the maritime partnership to maintain “regional stability and the security of maritime shipping lanes,” as well as coordination between the two fleets and the exchange of technological knowledge. The statement did not specify the nature or locations of the operations, or when the visit began or how long it lasted.

The Israeli military released photographs from the visit showing a welcoming ceremony for Renshaw outside the Navy headquarters, as well as his meeting with Harel and Israeli officers aboard a naval vessel.

مراسم استقبال قائد الأسطول الخامس الأمريكي أمام مقر قيادة البحرية الإسرائيلية

Visit amid tensions in the Gulf

The visit comes amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran since the confrontation that erupted on February 28, and stalled talks related to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Fifth Fleet is responsible for U.S. naval operations in the Gulf, the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, and plays a central role in securing the region’s waterways.

Photos: Israeli military