Royal Navy and Marines sign deal to work closer with US counterparts
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines have pledged to work more closely with the US Navy and US Marines Corps on littoral operations.
The pledge will help to pave the way for closer co-operation on complex operations around coastal areas and improve the nations' ability to operate across the land, sea and air domains.
It will also mean more joint training and deployments for sailors and marines.
'Littoral' refers to working in coastal regions, which is crucial in getting troops, resupplies and munitions from sea to shore.
The work can involve shoreline reconnaissance, inland reconnaissance, delivering lethal strike teams to land, securing an area for humanitarian missions.
Operations can be highly dangerous, so joint training is essential.
The newly signed agreement will increase opportunities in areas like computer simulation, overseas exercises and wargaming, the Royal Navy said.
It falls under the remit of Delivering Combined Seapower – a concept that has enabled close joint working since 2016.
The Statement of Intent was signed by the UK's Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell, and Lieutenant General David Furness, Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policy and Operations for the US Marine Corps.
VAdm Connell said: "I am delighted to sign this agreement that will see the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, US Navy and US Marine Corps work even closer together as we continue our respective transformational journey."
Lt Gen Furness said: "We welcome the opportunity to build on the existing close relationship between the US and United Kingdom. Our forces only benefit when we share our knowledge and expertise with each other.
"We look forward to this even deeper collaboration with our Royal Navy and Royal Marine partners."
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