Phoenix Express 2015 Kicks Off

 

Maritime forces from North Africa, Europe, and the United States kicked off Exercise Phoenix Express 2015 with opening ceremonies in Tunisia, today. The at sea portion of the exercise begins Monday and will test North African, European, and U.S. forces’ abilities to combat illegal migration, piracy, and movement of materials for weapons of mass destruction.

Phoenix Express 2015, sponsored and facilitated by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA), information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to counter sea-based illicit activity in the region.

Vice Adm. James Foggo III, Commander U.S. 6th Fleet stated, “I am with 12 other partners that are participating in a naval exercise at sea that will help enhance inoperability and maritime domain awareness that is especially important in light of all of the threats we see around the theater nowadays.”

Capt. John Mosher, Phoenix Express, exercise director commented, "Interoperability between all the different nations is what we’re focusing on and how we do things to ensure and improve the security of the Mediterranean.”