TUNIS, Tunisia –
Military leaders from Europe, Africa, and the United States as well as several regional and international organizations completed a three-day Senior Leadership Symposium (SLS) as a continuation of exercise Phoenix Express (PE22) in Tunis, Tunisia, July 18-20, 2022.
“The opportunity to work directly with our allies and partners is invaluable to the enduring relationships forged throughout the years. Regional cooperation, information exchange and shared practices are essential to our continued success," said Rear Adm. Jeffrey Spivey, Director, Maritime Partnership Program, U.S. Naval Forces Africa. "Working together to share best practices on operations and logistics will improve regional interoperability for future iterations operations and events.”
The symposium, presented by the U.S. Naval War College and hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa fosters honest discussions on the challenges of combating maritime security threats in North Africa.
“These events allow the U.S. Naval War College-International Programs Department to engage directly with the Phoenix Express partners and stakeholders," said Jeffrey M. Landsman, associate professor, International Programs and Africa Regional Studies Group-Maritime, U.S. Naval War College. "This is an excellent opportunity for participants to discuss different perspectives and concepts with maritime leaders and explore tangible ways to improve national and regional maritime cooperation and coordination amongst participating nations and stakeholders.”
Participants from twelve nations including Algeria, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, worked together throughout PE22 to increase regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and operational capabilities. Their efforts enhanced efforts to promote safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea and territorial waters of participating North African nations.
Phoenix Express is one of three regional maritime exercises facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) as part of a comprehensive strategy to share collaborative opportunities to address maritime security issues among African forces and international partners.
For over 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with our 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 (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.