• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Multinational Force Participates in Cutlass Express Exercise

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110729-09
7/29/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Jamieson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

MOMBASA, Kenya (NNS) -- A multinational force made up of representatives from more than 14 nations and agencies participated in the U.S. African Command (AFRICOM) sponsored exercise, Cutlass Express, July 18-22, at Bandari College in Mombasa, Kenya.

The exercise is the first in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues on the East African coast through information sharing and coordinated operations among international navies.

During the exercise the goals were for personnel to be tactically proficient and quick to respond.

Lt. Anthony Blaine, U.S. 6th Fleet Africa exercise planner, said the experience had reaped more than just technical rewards.

"We learned a lot of things this week," said Blaine. "The most important thing happening this week wasn't something you can put into an after-action report. There were people meeting and exchanging business cards this week, making connections. That aspect is going to mean a lot for this venture going forward, and I'm honored to have been a part of it."

The week-long table-top exercise was just a starting point for a more intensive field-training exercise (FTX) scheduled for October, which will involve patrol craft and boarding teams from East African nations and USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58).

Blaine said he felt Cutlass Express was charting a good course for the up-coming FTX.

"I feel like we did what we came here to do," said Blaine. "I have every confidence we will be able to be successful during the FTX."

Kenya Navy Lt. Col. Joseph Noimitanauu said the opportunities for relationship building and networking had been exactly what he had hoped for when he had heard about the exercise.

"Maritime security is not the problem of one East African nation, it is a problem for us all," said Noimitanauu. "That is why it is so encouraging to see us all coming together and sharing information for Cutlass Express. I certainly hope to see the spirit of cooperation and shared purpose continue."

Cutlass express is an AFRICOM sponsored exercise focusing on addressing piracy through information sharing and coordinated operations among international navies. The exercise features simulated civilian and military operations centers that seek to enhance both cooperation and capacity on the East African coast.