United States Africa Command

 

 Theme  Light  Dark
 AFRICOM Portal  Contact Us
AFRICOM Crest
Media Room
From the Media Room
Articles
Our latest news all in one place
Press Releases
Our official press releases
Images
Browse the latest images from AFRICOM and our partners
Documents
Factsheets, posture statements, and more
Videos
Browse the latest uploaded videos
Audio
Listen to recent audio recordings
Niger Investigation
Read the special report here
 
Transcripts
Catch up on speeches from our leaders both past and present
MISO
Military Information Support Operations
 
News by Section
Special Links
About the Command
Leadership
Commander
Command Senior Enlisted Leader
Deputy Commander
Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement
Headquarters Chief of Staff
Former leadership
Directorates and Staff
J1 - Manpower and Personnel
J2 - Intelligence
J3 - Operations
J4 - Logistics
J5 - Strategy, Engagement and Programs
J6 - C4S Systems
J8 - Resources and Assessments
Headquarters Commandant
Office of the Command Chaplain
Office of the Command Surgeon
Office of the Foreign Policy Advisor
Office of the Legal Counsel
Office of the Inspector General
Office of Public Affairs and Communication Synchronization
Interagency Staff
Our team
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
U.S. Air Forces Africa
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa
U.S. Naval Forces Africa
U.S. Special Operations Command Africa
2025 Posture Statement to Congress
2024 Posture Statement to Congress
2023 Posture Statement to Congress
2022 Posture Statement to Congress
2021 Posture Statement to Congress
2020 Posture Statement to Congress
2019 Posture Statement to Congress
2018 Posture Statement to Congress
History of U.S. Africa Command
What We Do
Security Cooperation
Africa Partnership Station
Africa Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP) Program
Foreign Humanitarian Assistance
Foreign Military Sales
Global Peace Operations Initiative
International Military and Education Training
State Partnership Program
Africa Endeavor
Additional programs
African Partnership Outbreak Response Alliance (APORA)
Africa Enlisted Development Strategy
Exercises
African Lion
Cutlass Express
Flintlock
Justified Accord
Obangame Express
Phoenix Express
Shared Accord
United Accord
Unified Focus
Airstrikes
U.S. Africa Command Strike Process
Civilian Harm Report
U.S. Africa Command Civilian Harm Assessment Process
2025 Airstrikes
2024 Airstrikes
2023 Airstrikes
2022 Airstrikes
2021 Airstrikes
2020 Airstrikes
2019 Airstrikes
2018 Airstrikes
2017 Airstrikes
2016 Airstrikes
Staff Resources
Resources for AFRICOM Personnel assigned to Stuttgart, GE
AFRICOM Portal (Stuttgart)
Stuttgart Inprocessing
Stuttgart Outprocessing
Resources for AFRICOM personnel assigned to RAF Molesworth, U.K.
AFRICOM Portal (Molesworth)
Office of Security Cooperation in-processing
AFRICOM Portal
ATAAPS
Guard & Reserve
Theater Medical Clearance
Network Account Creation
Operational Contract Support
OPSEC Hub
Research
Travel to Africa
AFRICOM Mission Partner Environment (AMPE)
Useful Links
Veterans/Military Crisis Line (VCL/MCL)
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention
Civilian Harm Reporting
Home  Translate Arabic French Portugese Somali  Theme  Light  Dark
Social
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Flickr
Instagram
LinkedIn
Forms
Contact Us
Civilian Harm Reporting
From the Media Room
Articles
Press Releases
Images
Documents
Niger Investigation
Transcripts
Audio
Special Links
Privacy
FOIA Requests
About the Command
Leadership
2025 Posture Statement to Congress
2024 Posture Statement to Congress
2023 Posture Statement to Congress
2022 Posture Statement to Congress
2021 Posture Statement to Congress
2020 Posture Statement to Congress
2019 Posture Statement to Congress
2018 Posture Statement to Congress
History of U.S. Africa Command
Directorates and Staff
Our team
What We Do
Security Cooperation
Additional programs
Exercises
Airstrikes
Staff Resources
Resources for AFRICOM Personnel assigned to Stuttgart, GE
Resources for AFRICOM personnel assigned to RAF Molesworth, U.K.
Office of Security Cooperation in-processing
AFRICOM Portal
ATAAPS
Guard & Reserve
Theater Medical Clearance
Network Account Creation
Operational Contract Support
OPSEC Hub
Research
Travel to Africa
AFRICOM Mission Partner Environment (AMPE)
Useful Links
Veterans/Military Crisis Line (VCL/MCL)
Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention

News

Cutlass Express 2026: Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking And Illegal Fishing
Article|Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Cutlass Express 2026: Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking And Illegal Fishing
Cutlass Express 2026 (CE26) arrives at a decisive moment for maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, where drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing continue to threaten coastal economies and regional stability.
Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command to prepare for leadership roles
Article|Sunday, February 8, 2026

Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command to prepare for leadership roles
Senior fellows from the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies visited U.S. Africa Command headquarters on Feb. 4, for a strategic overview of the command's mission and its partnership-focused approach to security in Africa.
Lightfish Unmanned Vessel First Joint Maritime Launch
Article|Sunday, February 8, 2026

Lightfish Unmanned Vessel First Joint Maritime Launch
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.
Strengthening Partnerships Through Music: U.S. Navy Band Engages Mauritian Communities During Cutlass Express 2026
Article|Sunday, February 8, 2026

Strengthening Partnerships Through Music: U.S. Navy Band Engages Mauritian Communities During Cutlass Express 2026
Sailors from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa Band used music and cultural engagement to strengthen partnerships in Mauritius during Exercise Cutlass Express 2026.
Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 to Enhance Maritime Security in East Africa
Article|Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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

Press Products

Press Release|Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Assessment confirms deaths of two senior al-Shabaab members in Somalia
Press Release|Friday, June 17, 2016
U.S. forces conduct defensive fires in Somalia against al-Shabaab terrorists in May
Press Release|Thursday, June 23, 2016
U.S. forces conduct defensive fires in Somalia against al-Shabaab terrorists
Press Release|Wednesday, August 3, 2016
U.S. airstrikes support GNA in Libya
Press Release|Friday, August 5, 2016
GNA supported U.S. airstrikes for Aug. 4

Images

Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
U.S. naval Forces Europe and Africa Band (Topside Brass Band) play at Caudan Waterfront (Umbrella Concert)
U.S. naval Forces Europe and Africa Band (Topside Brass Band) play at Caudan Waterfront (Umbrella Concert)
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command
Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command
Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command
Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command
U.S.-Kenyan partnership advances security cooperation
U.S.-Kenyan partnership advances security cooperation
Multinational planners inject experimentation and innovation into African Lion 2026
Multinational planners inject experimentation and innovation into African Lion 2026
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/
×
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Photo 1 of 16

Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing

Instructors teach partner nations how to use a sea vision tool called SMARTMast, during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Stephanie Butler / RELEASED).
Download image
Photo by: Petty Officer 1st Class Stephanie Butler,  Victoria, , Seychelles
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Photo 2 of 16

Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing

Partner nations work together using a sea vision tool called SMARTMast, during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Stephanie Butler / RELEASED).
Download image
Photo by: Petty Officer 1st Class Stephanie Butler,  Victoria, , Seychelles
Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing
Photo 3 of 16

Innovation to Drive the Fight Against Trafficking and Illegal Fishing

Partner nations work together using a sea vision tool called SMARTMast, during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Stephanie Butler / RELEASED).
Download image
Photo by: Petty Officer 1st Class Stephanie Butler,  Victoria, , Seychelles
U.S. naval Forces Europe and Africa Band (Topside Brass Band) play at Caudan Waterfront (Umbrella Concert) U.S. naval Forces Europe and Africa Band (Topside Brass Band) play at Caudan Waterfront (Umbrella Concert) U.S. naval Forces Europe and Africa Band (Topside Brass Band) play at Caudan Waterfront (Umbrella Concert)
Photo 4 of 16

U.S. naval Forces Europe and Africa Band (Topside Brass Band) play at Caudan Waterfront (Umbrella Concert)

260206-N-OS043-1159 Musician 3rd Class Shane O’Brien with 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). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cox/ RELEASED).
Download image
Photo by: Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Cox,  Mauritius
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Photo 5 of 16

CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel

Shane Condon, a civilian contractor with Commander, Task Force 66 and a Seychelles Coast Guardsmen launch the Lightfish, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), marking for the first time the system has been deployed from a partner surface ship during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Download image
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Rebeckah Wall,  Victoria, , Seychelles
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Photo 6 of 16

CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel

Shane Condon, a civilian contractor with Commander, Task Force 66 and a Seychelles Coast Guardsmen launch the Lightfish, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), marking for the first time the system has been deployed from a partner surface ship during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Download image
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Rebeckah Wall,  Victoria, , Seychelles
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Photo 7 of 16

CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel

Shane Condon, a civilian contractor with Commander, Task Force 66 and a Seychelles Coast Guardsmen launch the Lightfish, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), marking for the first time the system has been deployed from a partner surface ship during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Download image
Photo by: Lt. Caitlyn Strader,  Victoria, , Seychelles
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Photo 8 of 16

CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel

VICTORIA, Seychelles (Feb. 9, 2026) OS2 Melissa Adams and Shane Condon, with Commander 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). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Download image
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Rebeckah Wall,  Victoria, , Seychelles
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Photo 9 of 16

CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel

Cmdr. Michael Aragon with Commander Task Force 66 and a Seychelles Coast Guardsman observe the deployment of the Lightfish, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), marking for the first time the system has been deployed from a partner surface ship, as part of Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Download image
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Rebeckah Wall,  Victoria, , Seychelles
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Photo 10 of 16

CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel

Shane Condon, a civilian contractor with Commander, Task Force 66 and a Seychelles Coast Guardsmen launch the Lightfish, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), marking for the first time the system has been deployed from a partner surface ship during Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Download image
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Rebeckah Wall,  Victoria, , Seychelles
CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel
Photo 11 of 16

CTF 66 Successfully Launches Lightfish USV Off Partner Vessel

Cmdr. Michael Aragon with Task Force 66 and Seychelles Coast Guardsman Pvt. Thierry Cesar prepares for the launch of the Lightfish, an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), marking for the first time the system has been deployed from a partner surface ship, as part of Cutlass Express 2026 (CE 26). CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Download image
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Rebeckah Wall,  Victoria, , Seychelles
Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command
Photo 12 of 16

Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command

George C. Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command headquarters for a strategic overview of the command's mission in Stuttgart, Germany Feb. 4, 2026.
Download image
Photo by: David Kimery,  Stuttgart, , Germany
Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command
Photo 13 of 16

Marshall Center fellows visit U.S. Africa Command

George C. Marshall Fellows visit U.S. Africa Command headquarters for a strategic overview of the command's mission in Stuttgart, Germany Feb. 4, 2026.
Download image
Photo by: David Kimery,  Stuttgart, , Germany
U.S.-Kenyan partnership advances security cooperation U.S.-Kenyan partnership advances security cooperation U.S.-Kenyan partnership advances security cooperation
Photo 14 of 16

U.S.-Kenyan partnership advances security cooperation

Members from U.S. Africa Command joined U.S. AFRICOM senior leadership, U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. AFRICOM; and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Garric Banfield, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. AFRICOM; U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau; Chargè d’Affaires Susan Burns; and Kenyan Defence and state officials at the construction site for a new runway expansion and airfield infrastructure project Jan. 29, 2026, in Manda Bay, Kenya. The airfield project strengthens a long-standing U.S.–Kenya security partnership by enhancing counterterrorism cooperation, expanding Kenya’s military operational capacity as a key non-NATO ally, and providing both nations a stronger platform to deter threats.
Download image
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Tucceri,  Kenya
Multinational planners inject experimentation and innovation into African Lion 2026 Multinational planners inject experimentation and innovation into African Lion 2026 Multinational planners inject experimentation and innovation into African Lion 2026
Photo 15 of 16

Multinational planners inject experimentation and innovation into African Lion 2026

Multinational planners from the U.S., Europe and Tunisia pose for a group photo at the initial planning event for exercise African Lion 2026 (AL26) at El Aouina Air Base, Tunis, Tunisia, Sept. 19, 2026. AL26 is led by SETAF-AF on behalf of U.S. Africa Command and planned for April through May, 2026, across Morocco and Tunisia. This large-scale, multidomain exercise provides a strategic venue for experimentation and validation of innovative warfighting capabilities to enhance joint force lethality and crisis response. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Download image
Photo by: Maj. Joe Legros,  Tunis, , Tunisia
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/ U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/ U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/
Photo 16 of 16

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/

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. CE 26 is one of three regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and enabled by U.S. 6th Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ian Carver / RELEASED).
Download image
Photo by: Petty Officer 1st Class Ian Carv,  Port Louis, Mauritius

Videos

IUU in Focus - January 2023
Ghana in Focus - January 2023
Morocco in Focus - January 2023
Kenya in Focus - December 2022
Abridged Interview with Brian Shukan, U.S. Ambassador to Benin
Faces of AFRICOM | Office of Legal Counsel
Africa Senior Enlisted Leadership Conference 2022 Europe News
×