ATLANTIC OCEAN – Sailors assigned to the United States Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) joined allies and partners in the French-led Grand African Navy Exercise for Maritime Operations (NEMO) 2022 in the Gulf of Guinea, October 10, 2022.
During the week-long exercise, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) and one P-8A assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 will participate in maritime security situations that combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, drug trafficking, pollution and marine rescue.
“We look forward to another opportunity to train and work with our partners and allies as we work in challenging situations that will improve how we operate and communicate,” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer Hershel “Woody” Williams. “This training opportunity in the Gulf of Guinea reinforces our resolve, and the commitment and determination of our friends and allies, to work together to improve the stability and security of Africa’s coasts.”
The U.S. Navy regularly trains with allies and partners to enhance maneuverability and interoperability while establishing communication and safety standards that enhance regional maritime security.
The French Navy conducts three to four regional exercises per year as part of a series of NEMO exercises in Africa, culminating in the annual Grand African NEMO exercise. Since 2013, the exercise series has been training the joint effort to build maritime security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
Grand African NEMO 2022 includes 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, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For more than 80 years, US Naval Forces Europe-US Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) have developed strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values. to maintain security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF serves the United States Naval Forces in United States European Command (USEUCOM) and United States Africa Command (USAAFRICOM). The US Sixth Fleet is permanently designated NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs naval forces through a full range of joint and naval operations.
