Maritime forces from Gulf of Guinea nations, Europe, South America, the United States and several regional and international organizations began the multinational maritime Exercise, Obangame Express 2015, March 19.
Obangame Express, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA), information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.
Pat Alsup, chargé d’affaires, U.S. Embassy, Accra, Ghana, said:
Our close cooperation will strengthen the industries of transportation, shipping, fishing, commerce, tourism, and resource development. That results in economic growth here in the West African region—a central goal shared by the United States and its regional partners represented here today.
Obangame Express, now in its fifth year, is one of four U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet (NAVEUR-NAVAF/C6F) facilitated regional exercises.
The exercise is part of a comprehensive strategy by NAVEUR-NAVAF/C6F and AFRICOM to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners that addresses maritime security concerns.
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Image: US Navy