US and Greece military forces, with Greece and Turkey about to sit down to resume talks aimed at reducing tension, combined for an exercise in the Mediterranean, where Turkey plans to hunt for energy off Greek islands.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the sea was the center of the maneuvers and gave the Greek side the chance to work with the United States’ military and naval might.

The Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) said it also planned aeronautical exercises with the American forces to increase combat capabilities of the units and improve coordination between the allies.

“The participation of the Hellenic Armed Forces in this operation proves the important role held by Greece and the United States in the defense and security of the wider region of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, especially in the framework of the updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement” stated the press release by the GEETHA, reported Kathimerini.

As part of these exercises, the Hellenic Navy frigate Psara was embedded with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG). Two Hellenic Navy submarines and several fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercises.

Both countries – as is Turkey – belong to NATO, the defense alliance being undermined by Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems that could be used against Greece in a conflict.