CTF-66

Commander Task Force SIX SIX (CTF-66) is the Navy's premier All-Domain Task Force. CTF-66 serves as a forward-deployable headquarters that orchestrates Joint, All-Domain effects in a specific region through asymmetric and unconventional CONOPS that deliver full-spectrum maritime operations in concert with Allied, Coalition, Joint, interagency, and other partners in order to protect U.S. interests, deter aggression, reassure Allies and partners, promote security and stability, and maintain All-Domain access in the U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) areas of operation.

News

Cutlass Express 2026: Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking And Illegal Fishing

Partner nations work together using a sea vision tool called SMARTMast, during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns.

Feb. 11, 2026 - Cutlass Express 2026: Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking And Illegal Fishing...

Strengthening Partnerships Through Music: U.S. Navy Band Engages Mauritian Communities During Cutlass Express 2026

Musician 3rd Class Caleb Allen with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band (Topside Brass Band) plays at their performance at Caudan Waterfront (Umbrella Concert), Port Louis, Mauritius during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns

Feb. 10, 2026 - Strengthening Partnerships through Music: U.S. Navy Band Engages Mauritian Communities during Cutlass Express 2026...

Lightfish Unmanned Vessel First Joint Maritime Launch

OS2 Melissa Adams and Shane Condon,with Task Force 66 and Seychelles Coast Guardsman Captain Julian Morel prepare the launch of the Lightfish, an unmanned surface vessel (USV), marking for the first time the system has been deployed from a partner surface vessel, as part of Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26).

Feb. 10, 2026 - Commander Task Force (CTF) 66 launched a Lightfish Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) for the first time off a partner nation’s vessel during Cutlass Express 2026 off the coast of the Indian Ocean, Feb. 9...

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 to Enhance Maritime Security in East Africa

Members of the official party for the opening ceremony of Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26), including Lt Gen. John Brennan, Deputy Commander, United States Africa Command, (second to right), and Rear Adm. Kelly Ward, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa Commander, Task Force 66 (CTF-66), (far right), stand at attention for the National Anthem. CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ian Carver / RELEASED).

Feb. 3, 2026 - Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and enabled by U.S. Sixth Fleet kicks off in Port Louis, Mauritius Feb. 2-12...

Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 Concludes in Tunisia

Jan. 23, 2026 - TUNIS, Tunisia - Eight partner nations concluded the 20th iteration of exercise Phoenix Express, led by U.S. 6th Fleet, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, and hosted by Tunisia in Tunis, Jan. 20-23, 2026...