Ships set sail during Phoenix Express 2026
By U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
The at-sea phase of Phoenix Express 2026 began Sept. 11 as participating ships set sail from Bizerte and La Goulette Naval Bases in Tunisia.
Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. 6th Fleet under U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Phoenix Express 2026 brings together North African, European and U.S. maritime forces to enhance cooperation and expertise in maritime security operations in the southern Mediterranean Sea. This global network of navies is using regional maritime operations centers to share real-time data and establish a common operational picture while underway.
“The at-sea phase is where our participants have the opportunity to put the skills they developed ashore into practice,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Harish Patel, U.S. exercise director for Phoenix Express 2026. “They spent the first week learning from one another, refining their techniques and building relationships with their counterparts. Now, they can take those skills and relationships into realistic maritime scenarios and apply them together.”
Six of the 13 participating nations have ships underway for collaborative maritime training exercises. In addition to the vessels from Algeria, France, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia and Türkiye, members from all 13 countries are working together at sea and ashore to share information, improve ship-to-shore coordination and respond effectively to simulated maritime security challenges. Safeguarding a stable maritime environment in Africa is a shared strategic interest for all participants.
“Tunisia has been proud to host Phoenix Express and welcome our partners from across the region and beyond,” said Tunisia National Navy Commodore Rejeb Gara Ali, exercise director for Tunisia. “Bringing our forces together here creates an opportunity to exchange expertise, conduct advanced training and strengthen the cooperation that contributes to a safer, more secure maritime environment.”
Tunisia and the United States have a long history of partnership exemplified by the Phoenix Express series of exercises, which have been a focal point of the two countries’ military-to-military cooperation since 2004. When U.S., African and European partners operate together, we enhance stability and protect the shared pathways of global commerce.
Phoenix Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Naval Forces Africa as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partner forces, to advance U.S. national interests and promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more information from U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, visit www.c6f.navy.mil.
