Month: February 2023

Source: United States Navy

Conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), CE23 is designed to assess and improve combined maritime law enforcement techniques, promote safety and security in the Western Indian Ocean, and increase interoperability between participating nations.

CE23 is one of three NAVAF-facilitated regional exercises that provides collaborative opportunities for African, U.S., and international partners to address shared transnational maritime concerns. NAVAF’s ongoing maritime security cooperation with African partners focuses on maritime safety and security through increased maritime awareness, response capabilities, and infrastructure.

“The relationships and partnerships we build through exercises such as Cutlass Express 2023 increase our combined capabilities to respond to maritime threats in the waters surrounding Africa,” said Rear Adm. Chase Patrick, director of maritime headquarters, NAVAF. “By teaching and learning from each other through the various scenarios, we are able to bring new ideas and techniques to the table that will lead to a safer, more prosperous environment in the Western Indian Ocean.”

CE23 scenarios will facilitate information sharing between Maritime Operation Centers and enhance regional and partner capacity to counter sea-based illicit activity.

This year’s exercise will be based in Djibouti, Kenya, and Mauritius, with multiple shore-based and at-sea training events along the eastern coast of Africa. Additionally, CE23 will be linked with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s International Maritime Exercise, eliminating regional seams and increasing combined global capabilities and interoperability.

The 15 nations scheduled to participate in CE23 include Canada, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, Greece, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The U.S. shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, because these waters are critical for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets.

AFRICOM, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war. AFRICOM employs the broad-reaching diplomacy, development, and defense approach to foster interagency efforts and help negate the drivers of conflict and extremism in Africa.

For more than 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.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy

Crewmembers from USCGC John Scheuerman (WPC 1146) discovered 1,350 kilograms of hashish, 276 kilograms of methamphetamine and 23 kilograms of amphetamine pills upon interdicting the vessel during a routine patrol.

“This is the result of excellent teamwork and multinational collaboration. It is important that we continue relentlessly pursuing any destabilizing maritime activity,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Anthony Webber, commander of Task Force 55, the staff responsible for U.S. 5th Fleet surface forces in the region. “The crew clearly demonstrated John Scheuerman’s motto of ‘selflessness and strength’ during this seizure and I couldn’t be more proud.”

John Scheuerman was operating in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 at the time. Currently led by the United Kingdom Royal Navy, CTF 150 is one of four task forces organized under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

CMF is the largest international naval partnership in the world, consisting of 38 member-nations and partners, and has interdicted over $1 billion worth of illicit narcotics during maritime patrols.

Source: United States Navy

The annual event will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be presented in a hybrid format that allows attendees to join in person at the Corona City Hall council chamber or online via the Zoom platform.

The Navy in Norco looks to forge connections with Inland Empire business owners and entrepreneurs, while also providing insight on current and future support needs for those looking to do business with the government. Registration is open now through Feb. 27 at https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=715834&k=056047017853.

“A consistent drumbeat of discussion with industry provides an element of partnership and creates a cadre of reliable, dependable and competent companies that will be successful at performing the work requirements listed in our long range forecast,” said Dan Deconzo, Deputy Director of the Small Business Office.

Industry Day is an annual partnering event with industry small businesses and entrepreneurs that the Command uses to communicate upcoming business opportunities, technical thrust areas, and strategic investments.

“Our goals are to continue to be known as a trusted partner by industry and an advocate for small business, to open doors of opportunity, and establish an image where we communicate with industry often as we understand the mutual benefit achieved by this partnering,” said Deconzo.

Attendees are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. Interested parties may contact Dan Deconzo at daniel.m.deconzo.civ@us.navy.mil or 951-393-4810 with any questions or for information on small business programs and forecasts.

NSWC Corona Division has served as the Navy’s independent assessment agent since 1964. With more than 3,900 engineers, scientists and support personnel, Sailors and contractors, NSWC Corona is located in Norco, California, with detachments in Fallbrook and Seal Beach and personnel in 14 additional locations. The NAVSEA field activity provides transparency for warfighting readiness through data analytics and assessment, engineers the fleet’s Live Virtual Constructive training environment, and assures the accuracy of measurements as the engineering advisor for the Navy and Marine Corps metrology and calibration programs.