Exercise Phoenix Express 2024 Wraps Up in Tunisia with Impact

An international collaboration has unfolded in Tunisia, where maritime security teams from multiple nations engaged in comprehensive exercises. Participants included the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army, alongside their African and European counterparts. The use of the multinational communication center (MNCC) played a pivotal role in enhancing communication among maritime forces across Europe, North Africa, and the United States.

The event spanned 12 days, drawing North African, European, and U.S. maritime forces into a concentrated effort to strengthen their maritime security operations in the Southern Mediterranean Sea. This initiative forms a part of a global network aiming to improve collaborative expertise among international maritime forces.

“Phoenix Express is integral to our collaborative efforts,” commented Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, Commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet. He stressed the importance of improving regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and sharing tactical knowledge among Allies and partner nations to tackle maritime threats in North Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.

The exercise emphasized elevating land- and sea-based maritime security capabilities and interoperability. The MNCC and maritime operations center focused on strengthening communication ties between participating nations. Training included ship-boarding, diving, and search and rescue exercises, enabling participants to exchange information, refine strategies, and enhance techniques in maritime security.

“Tunisia is proud to host Phoenix Express 2024,” expressed Commodore Noureddine Chakroun of the Tunisian Navy. He highlighted Tunisia’s strategic Mediterranean location, which facilitates multinational efforts to meet shared security goals through cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges.

Nations involved in the exercise comprised Algeria, Belgium, Georgia, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Türkiye, and the U.S.

Phoenix Express is one of three regional maritime exercises directed by U.S. Naval Forces Africa. These efforts, steered by the Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, form part of a broader strategy to create opportunities for African forces and international allies to collaborate on maritime security issues.

Based in Naples, Italy, the Commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet undertakes a full range of joint and naval operations, frequently joining forces with allies and interagency partners to promote U.S. interests, ensuring security and stability in both Europe and Africa.