July 3 Naval Base (Gargoub Naval Base)

The 3rd of July Naval Base, also known as Gargoub Naval Base, is an Egyptian Navy installation on the Mediterranean coast, about 255 km west of Alexandria and near the Egypt-Libya border. It covers about 10 square kilometres. The base secures Egypt's northern and western maritime borders, including the offshore natural gas fields, protects shipping routes and counters illegal entry and smuggling. It provides logistical support to Egyptian forces operating in both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and it is designed as a centre for joint training with allied navies.

The base homeports major surface combatants and a submarine, among them FREMM Bergamini-class frigates, a Gowind-class corvette and a Type 209 submarine, together with an Ambassador Mk III missile boat. Smaller craft include armoured combat boats, fast patrol boats and motorboats. Maritime security operations mounted from the base combine naval units, including submarines, with land and air force elements.

The installation comprises 74 facilities, among them an airstrip, training fields and an operations centre. Two breakwaters with a combined length of 3,650 m enclose the harbour, and traffic is controlled from a 29 m port control tower. Logistical and accommodation facilities support the garrison, and the base also carries a hotel, a conference hall, a sports complex, an open-air theatre and a mosque.

The base became operational on 3 July 2021. Its name refers to 3 July 2013, the date on which the head of state was removed from office by the armed forces after the protests of the preceding days.