Throughout employees talks, the Nigerian and U.S. delegations mentioned capability constructing, maritime area consciousness, and bilateral maritime integration, amongst different targeted subjects. In addition they offered corresponding briefs on command priorities and capabilities, outlooks for 2024, and alternatives for future collaboration.
Adm. Munsch and Rear Adm. Muhammad delivered opening remarks to kick off the occasion, Feb. 27. The leaders mentioned current operations and actions carried out by the Nigerian and U.S. navies, Nigeria’s enduring participation within the NAVAF-facilitated train Obangame Categorical, and collaborative efforts to fight illicit exercise and piracy within the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa.
“Africa encompasses a number of international maritime crossroads, and the Nigerian Navy performs a important position in offering maritime safety and countering illicit exercise not solely within the Gulf of Guinea, however throughout the continent,” stated Munsch. “Having our Nigerian counterparts right here in Naples to debate maritime initiatives and areas for enhanced collaboration has been a useful expertise, and I’m very grateful to our companions for his or her participation in these talks.”
The Nigerian Navy is a longtime participant and frequent host of Obangame Categorical, an train designed to counter sea-based illicit exercise by bettering regional cooperation, information-sharing practices, and maritime interdiction experience of taking part nations. Moreover, the U.S. and Nigerian navies routinely take part in bilateral and multilateral engagements to strengthen interpersonal bonds and handle shared challenges and alternatives.
USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), U.S. Coast Guard Cutters USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905) and USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913), and USNS Carson Metropolis (T-EPF 7) all carried out port visits to Lagos, Nigeria in recent times, and Lagos served as the first hub for Obangame Categorical 2023, demonstrating the shut ties between Nigeria and the US.
“The U.S. Navy and Nigerian Navy have a protracted historical past of robust relations, constructed on a basis of shared approaches and collaboration via many engagement alternatives,” stated Muhammad. “We thank NAVAF for internet hosting these employees talks and we sit up for persevering with to strengthen our cooperation and partnership in maritime efforts.”
The U.S. Navy shares a typical curiosity with African accomplice nations in making certain safety, security, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, as a result of these waters are important for Africa’s prosperity and entry to international markets.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has solid strategic relationships with allies and companions, leveraging a basis of shared values to protect safety and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces within the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of accountability. U.S. Sixth Fleet is completely assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces via the total spectrum of joint and naval operations.
