U.S. Military and Kuwait Armed Forces Collaborate in Exercise Eager Defender 24

By Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade Public Affairs | February 12, 2024

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CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (Jan. 30, 2024) A Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command and a Kuwaiti soldier examine a target while participating in live-fire rifle training during exercise Eager Defender 24 onboard Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Jan. 30. Eager Defender 24 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps )


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MUHAMMAD AL AHMED NAVAL BASE, Kuwait (Jan. 31, 2024) Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Kuwaiti armed forces members with the Combined Joint Task Force conduct various scenario wargames during exercise Eager Defender 24 onboard Muhammad Al Ahmed Naval Base, Kuwait, Jan. 31. Eager Defender 24 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps )


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MUHAMMAD AL AHMED NAVAL BASE, Kuwait (Feb. 1, 2024) Coast Guardsmen assigned to the Middle East Engagement Team exchange visit, board, search, and seizure tactics with Kuwaiti coast guardsmen during exercise Eager Defender 24 onboard Muhammad Al Ahmed Naval Base, Kuwait, Feb. 1. Eager Defender 24 is the capstone in a series of bilateral exercises between Kuwait and U.S. naval forces, focused on enhancing mutual capabilities and interoperability in maritime security operations. (Photo by U.S. Marine Corps )


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KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait --

The Kuwait Naval Force, Kuwait Coast Guard, U.S Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command joined forces in Eager Defender 24 (ED 24), a bilateral maritime drill aimed at strengthening mutual interoperability and capabilities. The exercise, led by Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5), took place in Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf from Jan. 28 to Feb. 7, and showcases the commitment of both nations to regional security and readiness.

During ED 24, U.S. Marines, Sailors and Soldiers participated alongside Kuwaiti counterparts in joint training. The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security through various training scenarios including: visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), harbor security, unmanned system operations, maritime infantry tactics and joint command and control operations. The culminating scenario was a combined multinational amphibious assault training event.

Through collaborative training, participating forces worked to acquire necessary skills to effectively address regional security threats and increase interoperability between their militaries.

ED 24 served as a testament to the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Kuwait. It demonstrated the commitment of both nations in reinforcing partnerships in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. This exercise is one of several annual joint exercises where the U.S. military collaborates with partner nations, ensuring high levels of readiness for crisis and contingency.

"Exercise Eager Defender 24 highlights our shared commitment to regional security and the preservation of peace," said Brig. Gen. Matthew Reid, commanding general of TF 51/5. "By working together, the Kuwait Armed Forces and U.S. military are strengthening our capabilities and preparedness. This exercise is a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations."

ED 24 reaffirmed the strong bond between the Kuwait Armed Forces and the U.S. military. By fostering cooperation and mutual understanding, this exercise further enhanced the ability of both nations to respond effectively to security challenges in the region.

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