Lt. Gen. John R. Allen, deputy commander, U.S. Central Command, sits with Margaret Scobey, the U.S. Ambassador to Egypt, as they watch an amphibious assault demonstration conducted as part of Bright Star 2009 in Egypt Oct. 12, 2009. The multi-national exercise is designed to improve readiness, interoperability, strengthen the military and professional relationships among U.S., Egyptian and participating forces. Bright Star is conducted by U.S. Central Command and held every two years.