“Obangame Categorical is concerning the motivation of our folks to dig into some depraved issues collectively and unearth methods to make our waters safer,” mentioned Lt. Gen. Kirk Smith, deputy commander, U.S. Africa Command. “It’s concerning the younger women and men who grew to become quick buddies this week and who will proceed to study from one another within the months and years to come back. Our nations face complicated challenges right now. ‘Togetherness’ means nobody nation has to deal with these challenges alone, and that we every stand slightly taller whereas shoulder to shoulder within the pursuit of peace and prosperity.”
The train featured an in-port coaching interval adopted by an at-sea portion that examined the collaborating ships’ and maritime operation facilities’ skills to conduct maritime interdiction operations.
Coaching alternatives included boarding strategies, search and rescue operations, medical casualty response, radio communication, data administration strategies and varied navy operations.
“Train situations this yr had been designed to be as related as they had been difficult, incorporating power safety; unlawful, unreported and unregulated fishing; and cross-boundary maritime area consciousness,” mentioned Smith. “These had been meant to be aware of the on a regular basis, actual world points our maritime groups face right here in West Africa, and to be tailor-made to regional issues and pursuits – placing the proper stability between safety and regulation enforcement.”
The train befell throughout 5 zones within the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea, stretching from Senegal to Angola and throughout the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECWAS) and Financial Neighborhood of Central African States (ECCAS) states.
Moreover, the Senior Chief Symposium was held March 16-18 along side OE 22. The symposium supplied a possibility for senior naval leaders from Africa, Europe, and North and South America to come back collectively to debate maritime threats and options within the Gulf of Guinea and Western Africa.
“The Gulf of Guinea is a crucial nexus for African prosperity and that of all the globe due to the financial assets that stream from it and thru it,” mentioned Smith. “The work we do right here collectively as a part of the Categorical collection is essential to overcoming regional threats that threaten that prosperity”
The 32 nations collaborating this yr embrace Angola, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, 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. Additionally collaborating would be the Financial Neighborhood of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Financial Neighborhood of Central African States (ECCAS).
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 to be able to advance U.S. nationwide pursuits and safety and stability in Europe and Africa.
