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Naval Forces Africa joins allies, partners for Grand African NEMO 22

The expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller sails in the Gulf of Aden, July 26, 2022.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Dylan Murakami 

Sailors assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Africa joined allies and partners for the French-led exercise Grand African Navy Exercise for Maritime Operations 2022 in the Gulf of Guinea, Oct. 10, 2022.

During the exercise the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams crew participated in maritime security scenarios that combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, piracy, drug trafficking, and pollution, and enable rescue at sea.

“We look forward to another opportunity to train and operate with our partners and allies as we work through challenging scenarios that will improve how we operate and communicate together,” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer of Hershel “Woody” Williams. “This Gulf of Guinea training opportunity further emphasizes our resolve, and the commitment and resolve of our partners and allies, to work together to improve the stability and security of coastal Africa.”

The U.S. Navy routinely trains with allied and partner nations in order to enhance maneuverability capabilities by establishing communication and safety standards that strengthen regional maritime security.

The French Navy conducts three to four regional naval exercises annually as part of the African NEMO exercise series, which culminates in the major annual exercise Grand African NEMO. Starting in 2013, the exercise series trains on the collective efforts to establish maritime security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

Grand African NEMO 2022 participants include Angola, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Portugal, Sao-Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Togo, United Kingdom, and the United States.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.