Exercise Phoenix Express Kicks Off HD

Regional lead: Keeping the world’s oldest waterway safe is a task that cannot be done alone. Petty officer Matt Wright takes us to northern Africa, and tells us how regional partners are working together to ensure maritime safety. Phoenix Express 2015 kicks off in Tunis, Tunisia. The exercise is one of four U.S. Africa Command–sponsored regional express series maritime exercises facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet. “Eleven other Mediterranean partners were participating in a naval exercise at sea that will help enhance interoperability and maritime domain awareness. That’s especially important in light of all the threats that we see around the theatre nowadays.” Phoenix express takes place on land and sea, with 12 countries participating. They will be tested in areas including illegal immigration, piracy, and countering weapons of mass destruction. Participating forces will also work together on search and rescue scenarios where vessels capsize or are in distress. “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.” The exercise looks to strengthen regional cooperation, information sharing, and maritime domain awareness to improve economic and maritime security throughout the region. Petty Officer Matt Wright, Tunis, Tunisia.