The US Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), along with 11 allied and partner nations, is participating in the Exercise African Lion 2022.
NAVAF is leading the maritime portion of the exercise in Agadir in Morocco and Gabes in Tunisia.
The exercise is being held from 21-30 June.
The maritime exercise features a simulated amphibious landing, naval gunfire drill, multiple sea-based manoeuvres and maritime interdiction exercises.
The US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) along with P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft are participating in this exercise.
During the exercise, Arlington and elements of 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will carry out Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) operations in Tunis with other nations.
ANGLICO forces allows Marine Air Ground Task Force commanders to plan, use, coordinate and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint and allied forces.
Arlington and 22nd MEU is attached to Kearsarge Amphibious Group (ARG), under the command and control of Task Force 61/2.
US Naval Forces Europe-Africa maritime partnership programme director rear admiral Jeffrey Spivey said: “African Lion 2022 is an opportunity to highlight our shared commitment to protecting the waters surrounding Africa alongside our allies and partners.
“The lessons learned throughout exercise will help improve our collective capabilities to counter transnational threats and promote maritime security in the region.”
African Lion exercise enhances the US military’s strategic readiness for crisis response in Africa and worldwide.
Led by US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, the exercise is being conducted in Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal.
These four nations are joined by France, Chad, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK.
