Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff has awarded Vice Admiral Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed of the Egyptian Navy with a personal military decoration from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The ceremony took place aboard the USS Truxtun (DDG-103) during its visit to Alexandria, Egypt. The recognition was part of a broader agenda that included discussions on regional maritime security between the U.S. and Egyptian naval officials.
The event at the Ras El Tin Naval Headquarters highlighted topics such as the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. U.S. and Egyptian officials underscored the significance of the ongoing naval collaboration between their countries.
Ambassador Mustafa Garg commended Egypt’s efforts in promoting stability in the region, emphasizing the value of the partnership. “It is a great honor to recognize the service and dedication of our Egyptian naval partners. Egypt, the region, and the entire world are safer and more prosperous because of our commitment to protecting freedom of navigation,” she stated. She further remarked, “Together, the United States and Egypt are working to build a safer and more prosperous future for both our great nations and the world.”
Colonel David Kobbs, Defense Attache at the U.S. Embassy, highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Egypt military partnership. He remarked, “The U.S.-Egypt military partnership is essential for regional stability and the free flow of commerce. Our navies work together daily to make our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
The visit and ceremony underscored Egypt’s leadership in regional maritime coalitions, particularly its recent command of Combined Task Force 153. This event reinforced over four decades of defense cooperation between the U.S. and Egypt, including initiatives like BRIGHT STAR, joint training exercises, and military exchanges. The gathering served as a testament to the ongoing commitment of both nations to enhancing security, peace, and prosperity in the region.