EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA  - The flagship for the current NATO Operation Sea Guardian Focused Security Patrol, Greek frigate HS Navarinon, conducted a medical response exercise with Israeli Navy corvette INS Eilat in the eastern Mediterranean Sea on November 27, 2018.

 

The exercise, dubbed "MEDEX Crystal Sea” is designed to develop the medical support around the Mediterranean Sea for Operation Sea Guardian to ensure that any health issue among the crews on board military ships participating in Operation Sea Guardian can be addressed quickly and at the level of care required.

 

In the exercise, a simulated fire on board HS Navarinon generated a need to provide immediate first aid and stabilization to three injured sailors then transport them to the INS Eilat which has the capability to conduct surgery aboard. On board INS Eilat the patients were received, evaluated and treated according to their injuries.

 

The exercise is a stepping stone for Operation Sea Guardian as it is the first exercise conducted with a NATO Partner Nation. Israel’s support of, and participation in this exercise helps to build additional medical interoperability in the southern part of the Eastern Mediterranean.

 

Israel is a very active partner of the Alliance as a member of NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue, established in December 1994. MEDEX Crystal Sea is a concrete example of the increasing and deepening relationship between NATO and Israel.