Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet and the Commander of Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) while underway in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations, Jan. 31.

Vice Adm. John Aquilino, commander, U.S. 5th Fleet; Vice Adm. Fahad Ghofaily, commander, RSNF; Rear Adm. Sagar Al Harbi, RSNF; Maj. Gen. Peter Utley, chief, U.S. Training Mission to Saudi Arabia; and Commodore. Abdullah Al-Mimony, RSNF, visited the aircraft carrier for a leadership engagement.

"Our continued cooperation remains a practical way to address shared maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability between our forces," said Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. "We look forward to working alongside our partner nations as Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group carries out the rest of this deployment."

During the visit, guests also met with members of the crew, toured the ship, and viewed flight operations at sea.

The U.S. Navy and the RSNF often work together in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. In January, both forces participated in Exercise Indigo Response 18, an underwater mine countermeasures engagement aimed at enhancing interoperability and collective maritime security.

Saudi Arabia also plays a key role in the multinational Combined Maritime Forces. In September, they took command of Combined Task Force 152, responsible for maritime security in the Arabian Gulf.

Theodore Roosevelt, the flagship of CSG-9, is currently underway with USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Halsey (DDG 97), USS Sampson (DDG 102), and USS Preble (DDG 88) for a routine deployment. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group deployment is an example of the U.S. Navy's routine presence in waters around the globe, displaying commitment to stability, regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations.

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