The Kenya Navy joined other Allied Maritime Forces on 16 March 2023 to mark the ended Multinational Maritime Exercise Cutlass Express 2023 in a ceremony held at Serena Hotel in Mombasa.
The two-week exercise was aimed at developing capabilities of participating nations in the conduct of operational planning, maritime safety and security operations, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), information sharing and effective use of the rule of law during maritime operations.
In his remarks during the closing ceremony, Captain Geoff Townsend of US Navy thanked the Government of Kenya for hosting the international exercise and other African participants affirming the importance of the exercise.
“I appreciate the host country Kenya, the Kenya Navy and other African countries for the participation. This has strengthened our maritime capability by improving our Maritime Domain Awareness and enhancing information sharing between Maritime Operation Centres. I look forward to seeing you next year at our next international exercise.”
The exercise began with an in-port preparatory phase followed by at sea scenarios. This was designed to improve proficiency when conducting maritime interdiction operations by boarding teams against suspected vessels while detecting illicit activities, combating terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing and search and rescue situations in Port and at sea.
Cutlass Express 2023 has therefore represented a shared commitment by providing collaborative opportunities for Africa and other International partners to address transnational Maritime concerns.
Participating countries in the concluded exercise include Kenya, Canada, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, Greece, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania, United Kingdom and the United States.
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