U.S. Service Members, Lebanese Armed Forces Participate in Exercise Resolute Response 16

U.S. service members participate in Exercise Resolute Response (RR) 16 with Lebanese armed forces (LAF) on Jounieh Naval Base, Aug. 8-17.

The U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army and LAF will share strategic insights throughout RR 16 involving explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), diving and visit, board, search and seizure procedures.

RR16 allows U.S. to build diplomatic relations with partnered nations for both sides to better appreciate one another efforts in having one common goal to counter adversaries, said Lt. Andrew Heckel, adaptive force commander for exercise RR16, assigned to Commander, Task Group 56.1.

“My unit is here to support the Lebanese armed forces with maintaining stability within the region through sharing our knowledge and experiences,” said Heckel. “My hope is that our efforts here will continue to demonstrate the United States commitment to the Lebanese and will further aid them in countering the militant threat within Lebanon.”

The exercise also helps improve U.S. military readiness with partnered nations in the 5^th Fleet area operation, said Lt. Stephen Honan, EOD mobility platoon commander for RR 16, assigned to Commander, Task Group 56.1.

“We are only halfway through the exercise and we have already learned a lot from each other,” Honon said.

The U.S. military participates in more than 60 exercises with partner nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility each year. RR 16 is just one of many exercises that demonstrate U.S. commitment to strengthening maritime capabilities, supporting freedom of navigation throughout the region and promoting long-term regional security and stability.

This annual bilateral exercise is part of a routine theater security cooperation engagement plan with the primary focus of reassuring regional nations of our commitment to security and stability.