Blogs

Strengthening Our Bonds with Ghana, Enhancing Gulf of Guinea Security
July 23, 2019 — I am excited to be in Accra to speak during the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) and join the Ghana Navy in celebrating its 60th anniversary. How else to commemorate 60 years of Loyalty, Devotion, and Excellence [Motto for the Ghana Navy] than by convening the inaugural conference that brings together maritime stakeholders from across this continent and others as well. It is important to recognize how far Ghana’s Navy has come since their inception in 1959. As such, I am honored to be in Ghana and joined by senior leaders who are committed to fostering security and progress in the maritime domain... MORE

Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet on Exercise Sea Breeze
July 11, 2019 — From July 1 through today, maritime, land, and air forces from 19 nations participated in the 19th iteration of Exercise Sea Breeze in the Black Sea and across the sovereign nation of Ukraine. It was amazing to see 19 independent nations, with a shared commitment to regional stability, coming together for two weeks of intense maritime, amphibious, land, and air training. This exercise also happened to coincide with the Ukraine Navy Day celebration and I had the distinct privilege to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vice Adm. Ihor Voronchenko, the head of the Ukraine Navy, and the opportunity to review their fleet during my travel to Odesa this week. ... MORE

Obangame Together: Building Maritime Security in West Africa
March 27, 2019 — U.S. Naval Forces Africa works with our African partners to bolster security institutions across the continent at all levels – local, regional and national. Our long term efforts are intended to enable our partners to improve maritime security along their coastlines, territorial seas, and exclusive economic zones, but also beyond their own borders and throughout the region. Enhancing the capabilities and capacity of African security institutions will assist African states to create a more secure and stable African continent, which can lead to more prosperous future... MORE

A Legacy Continues - Our Friendship with Algeria in Context
March 13, 2019 — This past week I had the opportunity to meet with multiple senior Algerian officials during a visit to Algiers. Although there are many ways that leaders can communicate with each other, I believe that face-to-face interactions, such as the ones that we held in the capital, are critical to maintaining and building relationships and continuing an open dialogue. My visit to Algeria was meant to underscore the importance of the Algero-American relationship; one that is of special historical significance dating back to the earliest days of our democracy... MORE

Safety First, Safety Always – Naples Team recognized as Navy’s Best
December 18, 2018 — In today's environment of great power competition, the actions of the U.S. military are increasingly important. We must be able to get our ships, aircraft, submarines, and personnel to where they need to be, when it matters. Being there when duty calls requires communication, coordination, and support from the shore. Whether it’s getting destroyers out to sea, launching and recovering aircraft on a pitching flight deck in 12-foot seas, or submerging a nuclear powered submarine into the depths of the world's oceans, it all requires precise consideration regarding potential risks as well as a laser focus on safety... MORE

Maintain Course and Speed
September 14, 2018 — What an exciting day! Today we welcome the newest chiefs and their families into the ranks of the Chiefs Mess and I could not be more pleased. Pinning on the gold fouled anchors of a chief petty officer is, for many, the crowning achievement in a sailor's career and being part of that small group selected out of more than 18,000 active duty E-6 Sailors this year is no small feat. I know any one of them can tell you that the drive to get here has required sacrifices and dedicated support from their families... MORE

The past, present, and future links with Spain: My trip to Minorca and my reflections on our strong military bond
August 18, 2018 — A young, tenacious immigrant and mariner from Spain arrived on our shores before we were a country. He joined the revolutionary cause as a naval officer in the South Carolina Navy and was quickly given his own ship to command. During the Siege of Charleston in 1780, a cannonball broke his arm, and he was captured. After a prisoner exchange, he volunteered to fight alongside General Washington. Ultimately, he helped the United States earn its independence. He settled in the new country and started a family. His name: Jordi Farragut, born in Minorca, Spain... MORE

Ambassadors share insights on the Balkans
January 20, 2018 — Today I had the pleasure of hosting a Balkans Conference at the Allied Joint Force Command Naples headquarters... MORE

Commemorating Peace with Allies: Honoring Battle Monuments from Paris to Tunis
November 17, 2017 — In honor of Armistice, Remembrance, and Veterans Day, leaders from Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Italy, participated in commemorations across Europe and Africa. U.S. Navy flag officers spoke in American Battle Monuments and historic sites in France, and the Naval Forces Europe/Africa band played at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial. We paused to give thanks for those courageous and committed heroes who lived and died for liberty, many on battlefields far from home... MORE