Combined maritime forces participating in exercise Phoenix Express 2009 (PE09) are focusing on the development of increased maritime safety and security through joint operations during the last five days of the exercise, scheduled to end May 13.
PE09, a two-week exercise that began in Souda Bay, Greece, is designed to enhance regional stability in the region through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies from the United States, Africa, and Europe.
The underway portion of the two-part exercise has included training on visit, board, search and seizure, force protection, search and rescue, and helicopter operations.
In addition to enhancing maritime capabilities between maritime forces, the exercise also proved to help develop productive relationships by giving Sailors the opportunity to become familiar with other navies' operating procedures and practices.
PE09 is part of the overall U.S. Africa Command and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe–Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet theater security cooperation strategy which works to improve maritime safety and security through information sharing practices and joint operations.
Participating countries include Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Senegal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, Malta, Croatia, and the United States.
Rosa Larosn (NNS)
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