Almost 30 years ago now, I was part of an amphibious readiness group that participated in a combined force exercise with the Jordanians. We pulled in to Aqaba for three weeks. The Marines went ashore for exercises, and the ships’ crews got to hang out in port for the entire time.
The Jordanians treated us right. The visit fell over the 4th of July, so they lent us the use of the picnic grounds at the Royal Jordanian Dive Center to have an Independence Day barbecue bash. They didn’t even flinch when we busted out the whole suckling pigs to cook over their pits. For the full three weeks, they allowed Sailors full access to the dive club and free use of snorkeling gear. I’ve dove and snorkeled all over the world, and the Gulf of Aqaba has some of the most beautiful water and reefs I’ve ever seen. The Jordanians also organized multiple trips to Petra for the crews. That was a truly surreal experience.
Jordan is a solid ally and they walk the walk.