By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Electa Berassa, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
USS GUNSTON HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- The second phase of exercise Phoenix Express 2010 (PE10) began after the successful completion of the in-port segment of the exercise in Souda Bay, Greece, May 24.
Participants from 17 countries, including Morocco, Turkey, Algeria, Senegal, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and the United States, are taking part in both phases of PE10.
The reason for the at-sea portion is to provide trainees the opportunity to test their skills, which were developed during the in-port section of the exercise, in a real-time environment.
"The in-port portion was the training phase," said Lt. William Phillips, 6th Fleet's assessment analyst for PE10. "The at-sea portion is the execution part."
Maritime interdiction operations will be a large focus of the at-sea exercise. Forces from the different countries will also conduct search and rescue, medical, Maritime Domain Awareness and Automatic Identification System drills.
Participants will also enhance their techniques, tactics and procedures during visit, board, search and seizure drills.
A combined effort from the coalition of maritime forces will enable members to work together on various exercises designed to enhance security in the region.
These exercises allow foreign militaries the opportunity to become more acclimated in conducting boardings on their own more efficiently.
"The purpose is to apprehend would-be illicit traffickers while they're at sea before they reach their intended destination," said Phillips.
The training among partners from Africa, Europe and the United States allows for an increased interoperability between forces to keep the region safe, said Phillips.
PE10 is a two-week exercise designed to strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance stability in the region through increased interoperability and cooperation among partners from Africa, Europe and United States.