GALLERY: Exercise Cutlass Express in full swing

The U.S. facilitated exercise Cutlass Express 2016 is currently taking place in the western Indian Ocean, focusing on cooperation and teamwork. Its principle goal is to build and help to maintain the capability to protect the free flow of trade by countering maritime illicit activity.

The eight-day maritime exercise kicked off January 30 and is scheduled to wrap up February 6. It is centered around the Western Indian Ocean and East Africa partner nations working together in concert.