News

U.S. Strengthens Maritime Security Cooperation with Kenya During NAVAF Commander’s Visit
March 31, 2026 — U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) strengthened its longstanding security partnership with Kenya during Adm. George Wikoff’s visit to Nairobi and Mombasa, March 24–25. The visit, Wikoff’s first to Africa as the NAVAF commander, highlighted the United States Navy’s ongoing support to Kenya’s maritime operations, counterterrorism efforts, and regional security leadership along the Western Indian Ocean and the Somali border... MORE

Adm. George Wikoff and General Charles Kahariri exchange gifts at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.

USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Split, Croatia
March 28, 2026 — The world's largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) anchored in the Port of Split, Croatia, March 28, following an Adriatic Sea transit from Souda Bay, Greece, where the ship conducted a working port to resupply, refuel, and conduct repairs, March 23-26... MORE

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), arrives in Split, Croatia, March 28, 2026. Gerald R. Ford is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces in the region. (U.S. Navy photo)

USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) Returns to Rota
March 27, 2026 — NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (March 27, 2026) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain upon successful completion of the ship’s eighth Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol, March 27, 2026. ... MORE

Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) returns to its homeport at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, March 27, 2026.

USS Gerald R. Ford Arrives in Souda Bay
March 23, 2026 — The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrived at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, March 23, 2026, for maintenance and repairs after operating in the Red Sea. The aircraft carrier remains fully mission capable... MORE

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), arrives at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, during a scheduled port visit on March 23, 2026.

U.S. Navy, Estonian Partners Conduct Ice Diving Training to Enhance Baltic Maritime Readiness
February 19, 2026 — U.S. Navy Seabee Divers assigned to Underwater Construction Team (UCT) One, Construction Dive Detachment Bravo (CDD/B), are conducting ice diving and underwater demolition training with the Estonian Rescue Board (ERB) and Estonian navy divers during an annual bilateral ice exercise scheduled from Jan. 31 to Feb. 17, 2026... MORE

A U.S. Navy Seabee Diver from Underwater Construction Team One conducts an ice dive in a frozen lake during a bilateral training exchange with Estonian divers at Rummu Quarry Lake, Estonia.

Cutlass Express 2026: Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking And Illegal Fishing
February 11, 2026 — Cutlass Express 2026: Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking And Illegal Fishing... MORE

Partner nations work together using a sea vision tool called SMARTMast, during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26).

Strengthening Partnerships Through Music: U.S. Navy Band Engages Mauritian Communities During Cutlass Express 2026
February 10, 2026 — Strengthening Partnerships through Music: U.S. Navy Band Engages Mauritian Communities during Cutlass Express 2026... MORE

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).

Lightfish Unmanned Vessel First Joint Maritime Launch
February 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... MORE

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).

Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 to Enhance Maritime Security in East Africa
February 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... MORE

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.

Exercise Phoenix Express 2026 Concludes in Tunisia
January 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... MORE