# Exercise Phoenix Express 2021 starts in Tunisia

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2021/05/exercise-phoenix-express-2021-starts-in-tunisia/
- Published: 2021-05-18T22:11:48+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, the 16th iteration of the North African maritime 
exercise begins May 17, 2021, in Tunis, Tunisia, and throughout the Mediterranean
Sea.

Thirteen nations will operate together through May 28 to increase regional cooperation,
maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and operational capabilities,
enhancing efforts to promote safety and security in the Mediterranean Sea and territorial
waters of participating North African nations.

Naval forces from Europe, North Africa, and the United States began the 16th iteration
of the multinational maritime exercise Phoenix Express 2021 (PE21) with an opening
ceremony held at the National Center for Cartography and Remote Sensing Amphitheater
in El Aouina, Tunisia, May 18, 2021.

Exercise Phoenix Express is one of the three regional maritime drills executed by
US Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), is designed to improve regional cooperation, increase
maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and operational capabilities
in order to enhance efforts to promote safety and security in the Mediterranean 
Sea.

![](military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/phoenix-express-2021-exercise-begins.
jpg)

Capt. Harry Knight, Exercise Director, Phoenix Express, speaks at the opening ceremony
for exercise Phoenix Express 2021. Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, conducted by U.
S. Naval Forces Africa, is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation
among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in
the Mediterranean. [Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Debra Thomas]

The 13 nations scheduled to participate in Phoenix Express 2021 include Tunisia,
Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco,
Spain, and the United States.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Phoenix Express is about strengthening our friendships and our partnerships in 
this critical region,” said Admiral Robert P. Burke, commander, U.S. Naval Forces
Europe-Africa. “The Mediterranean is the life blood of global trade, regional security
and stability is crucial for global prosperity. We are all united in our pursuit
of a common good, maritime security.”

Exercise Phoenix Express 2021 is hosted by Tunisia with training taking place throughout
the Mediterranean Sea, to include territorial waters of participating North African
nations. 

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

![](military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/phoenix-express-2021-exercise.jpg)

“It’s always appropriate to stress the importance of the collaborative approach 
to meet the shared goals of a safe and secured Mediterranean Sea, therefore I thank
all participant nations for their tremendous effort to participate in PE 21, despite
the global pandemic and for their resolve to support peace and stability in the 
Mediterranean Region. I especially thank the U.S. Navy, AFRICOM, the U.S. Embassy
in Tunis, particularly the Office of Security Cooperation and the Defence Attaché
Office for their efforts and commitment to make this important event happen.” said
Commodore Mohamed salah SAGAAMA, Tunisian Navy deputy chief of staff for naval operations.

Exercise Phoenix Express 2021 as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative
opportunities amongst African forces and international partners that addresses maritime
security concerns.

### _Related_