IDF's Shayetet 13, US Special Forces complete joint exercise - watch

Noble Rose simulated various scenarios where troops took over a hijacked vessel and extract troops from enemy territory.

A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF Spokesperson' Unit)
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces ended last week, Israel’s military announced on Tuesday.
Dubbed “Noble Rose,” the drill simulated various scenarios in which troops had to take over a hijacked ship vessel and extract troops from enemy territory.
The exercise was led and commanded in the field by the Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 13, in addition to command from a joint headquarters of the Israeli Navy Depth and Special Forces and the relevant US HQ.
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
In the drill, advanced and varied capabilities of the unit were displayed, including taking over a vessel by parachuting from a plane, climbing, rappelling, sniping, and medical evacuation. In addition, the use of advanced weaponry and vessels was demonstrated.
According to the senior officer in Shayetet 13, the purpose of the drill was to “deepen cooperation and professional discourse” between the IDF’s special forces and those of the US.
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
“In recent years, the Israel Navy has dealt with varying threats that require training for complex scenarios that prepare it to deal with changing and unpredictable situations,” the IDF said. “Cooperation with foreign militaries, and specifically with the US Armed Forces, bringing about mutual learning and the strengthening of professional relationships that enhance both militaries’ readiness.”
Tensions have risen in the Persian Gulf with several tankers seized by Iranian troops, leading to a US-led naval mission to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain and Britain have already joined the American effort and sent warships to protect its tankers, and according to reports, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that Jerusalem is providing intelligence and other unspecified operations as part of the mission.
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
Nevertheless, the senior officer said that the drill had been planned for over a year and was part of the annual training schedule.
“The Nobel Rose Exercise 2019 is another testament to the deep cooperation between the IDF and the US Army at both the troop and command level,” the IDF said.
The IDF’s Shayetet 13 is equivalent to the US Navy SEALs and engages in various operational activities – in the sea, land and in the air – including gathering high-quality intelligence on enemy operations and targets, and damaging strategic infrastructure.
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF's Spokesperson Unit)
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF's Spokesperson Unit)
The unit has won the Chief of Staff’s award several times including in June when it was decorated by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi for several daring covert operations it recently carried out.
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF's Spokesperson Unit)
A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces (Credit: IDF's Spokesperson Unit)