Cutlass Express 2015 Concludes

Maritime forces from East Africa, South Africa, Europe, Indian Ocean nations and several international organizations concluded the fourth iteration of the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express 2015, Feb. 4.

Exercise Cutlass Express 2015, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, was designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.

Rear Adm. Tom Reck, U.S. 6th Fleet vice commander, said:

Partnerships and relationships matter, and building those relationships over this past week will mean a lot for the U.S. Navy going forward in their global fight.

Through enhanced cooperation, detection and response capabilities, East African and Indian Ocean nations are now better postured to deter narcotics traffickers, protect fisheries trade and keep shipping lanes free of piracy.

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Image: US Navy