Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - USS Arlington Completes Port Call to Aqaba, Demonstration of U.S. Security Commitment

AQABA – The USS Arlington, on its maiden voyage, completed a port visit to Aqaba, Jordan, today, further demonstrating U.S.-Jordanian military cooperation and the United States’ unwavering commitment to Jordan’s security.

The port call included a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Alice G. Wells, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command commander Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, and the ship’s captain and crew.

“The United States has no stronger Arab partner than Jordan, and the USS Arlington’s visit here in Aqaba is a small symbol of our six decades of cooperation,” Ambassador Wells said.

“The partnership between Jordan and the United States is resolute. Jordan is one of our most capable and steadfast allies in the region and we reaffirm the United States’ commitment to Jordan’s stability, development, and prosperity.”

The relationship between the Royal Jordanian Naval Forces and the United States Navy continues to be one of the strongest pieces of our security partnership. As part of the multi-national Combined Maritime Forces, Jordan provides a valuable contribution to counter-piracy, counter-terrorism, and regional maritime security cooperation initiatives.

In addition to their operations and training, Jordanian Naval forces are crucial to the success of the multiple port calls American ships conduct in Aqaba every year.

Jordan is one of the largest recipients of direct U.S. military assistance, with over half a billion dollars in defense-related aid to Jordan over the past year. Much of this aid has helped procure military equipment to support Jordan’s efforts to defend its borders and defeat Daesh. The United States has provided advanced surveillance technologies reinforce Jordan’s borders, along with antiterrorism and counterterrorism tactical training and equipment.

U.S. funding also supports military exchange training between the two countries. Hundreds of Jordanian officers participate in extended training programs in the United States annually, and U.S. military personnel train here in Jordan. These training opportunities strengthen the partnership between our militaries and help ensure Jordan’s security.

“As Jordan’s armed forces meet these challenges head-on, we strive to support Jordan’s military success,” Ambassador Wells said.

The USS Arlington is an amphibious transport dock ship, commissioned in 2013 and named for Arlington, Virginia, home of the Pentagon.