Obangame Categorical is considered one of three regional African workout routines facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. The train is a part of a complete technique by U.S. Sixth Fleet and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) to offer collaborative alternatives amongst African forces and worldwide companions to handle maritime safety issues.
“Collaborating in Obangame Categorical showcases U.S., ally and associate nation dedication to the regional maritime safety, stability and financial prosperity of our coastal African companions,” mentioned Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams. “As the primary U.S. Navy ship completely assigned to the AFRICOM space of accountability, we’re excited to work with our companions to enhance our communication and knowledge sharing capabilities and enhance associate nation functionality to enhance maritime safety and stability. All coastal nations profit from the free circulate of supplies and commerce by way of a protected and safe maritime area.”
The train consists of classroom demonstrations and maritime occasions that target enhancing regional cooperation, maritime area consciousness, information-sharing practices and tactical interdiction experience that improve the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit exercise.
Obangame Categorical will see participation from 32 nations which embrace Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, and america.
Hershel “Woody” Williams is the primary warship completely assigned to the U.S. Africa Command space of accountability. The U.S. shares a typical curiosity with African associate nations in making certain safety, security, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, as a result of these waters are crucial for Africa’s prosperity and entry to international markets.
The ESB ship class is a extremely versatile platform that operates throughout a broad vary of army operations. Appearing as a cellular sea base, they’re a part of the crucial entry infrastructure that helps the deployment of forces and provides to assist missions assigned.
For over 70 years, U.S. Sixth Fleet forces have cast strategic relationships with our allies and companions and solidified a basis of shared values, experiences, and imaginative and prescient aimed toward preserving safety and stability.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the total spectrum of joint and naval operations, usually in live performance with allied and interagency companions with the intention to advance U.S. nationwide pursuits and safety and stability in Europe and Africa.
