NAPLES, italy –
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) hosted the U.S. Maritime Security Cooperation and Attaché Symposium (USMSCAS), an annual symposium hosting more than 80 U.S. Navy and Marine Corps attachés, Personnel Exchange Program Officers, and U.S. 6th Fleet liaison officers stationed throughout Europe and Africa, from Dec. 3-5, 2024, in Naples, Italy.
The three-day symposium featured discussions with senior U.S. Navy leadership and naval attachés on the importance of developing relationships with Ally and partner nations, advocating for U.S. naval operations and activities in Europe and Africa, and strengthening coordination and collaboration between the naval forces and embassy staff.
"This conference represents an important opportunity for our Maritime Security Cooperation and Naval Attaché communities to enhance both our vertical and horizontal integration," said Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. "Vertically, by solidifying our awareness of the many changes occurring in our theater, we can unify our approach and respond more effectively. Moreover, this conference will foster trust and relationships horizontally across our area of responsibility, enabling us to develop the nuanced perspective and deeper understanding necessary to achieve our maritime strategic objectives."
The symposium also featured discussions facilitated by Maj. Gen. Russell D. Driggers and Brig. Gen. Eero Keravuori, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe & Africa; James H. Bergeron, Allied Maritime Command’s Political Advisor; and a Task Force Commander roundtable led by Vice. Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.
“Our naval attachés are critical enablers and strategic multipliers for U.S. 6th Fleet – building trust and increasing the fleet’s interoperability with our Allies and partners,” said Vice Adm. Anderson. “To give some examples from the past few months, the Italian frigate ITS Carabiniere fully integrated with a U.S. carrier strike group operating in the High North region; we conducted two first-time expeditionary reloads demonstrated with Denmark and France; and held a multinational exercise, the 19th iteration of Exercise Phoenix Express, in which we worked with 12 partners in the Southern Mediterranean and North African region to counter sea-based illicit activity. Each of those efforts were greatly supported by the work our Maritime Security Cooperation and Attaché team does each day, and in turn will give our fleet tremendous flexibility and strength to respond to tomorrow’s threat, crisis or adversary.”
The U.S. naval attaché position began with an order from the Department of the Navy to Commodore C. R. P Rodgers, stating “inasmuch as many interesting events are now taking place in Europe, and, as a great many changes in Naval matters may occur, to present himself to our Ministers and thus obtain access to foreign naval establishments.” Almost three centuries later, U.S. naval attaché in Ally and partner collaboration continues. They serve as key military advisors to their ambassadors on all naval matters, act as liaisons between the U.S. Navy and their host nation, collaborate to improve military interoperability between Allied and partner naval forces and support U.S. military theater security cooperation and security assistance programs in their respective countries.
Munsch delivered closing remarks to conclude USMSCAS, expressing his appreciation for the attachés, Personnel Exchange Program Officers, and liaison officers for the difference they make in building relationships with Allies and partners.
For more than 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.