From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th
Fleet Public Affairs
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces
Europe-Africa is hosting the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander
(CFMCC) Flag Course, Africa on the Naval Support Activity Naples, March 2-6.
During the weeklong course, conducted by the U.S. Naval War
College, 33 senior naval leaders from maritime countries in Europe and Africa
will participate in seminars and discussions focusing on the effective
employment of naval forces in a joint, coalition or interagency environment.
This practical application of maritime capabilities to real-world scenarios
helps to improve the effectiveness of leaders to function together at the
operational level of command and control.
"It is important for us as military leaders to come
together to discuss maritime issues of mutual concern," said U.S. Naval
Forces Europe-Africa Commander, Adm. Mark Ferguson. "Doing so helps us
build strong partnerships and improve warfighting capability."
Throughout the course, guest speakers will deliver briefs
and facilitate candid discussions about maritime security, strategic and
operational planning, and command and control structures among other topics.
The talks also provide an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the
diverse perspectives involved in a combined force.
"Forging this Network of Navies is more than just a
concept - it involves a willingness to talk meaningfully," said U.S. 6th
Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. James Foggo. "When opportunities arise, we must
continue to foster a dialogue, to share our ideas and provide innovative
solutions to common problems. Events like this are ideal settings for achieving
common goals."
The goal of the course is for participants to return to
their respective navies with new ideas and with a strengthened sense of
partnership between regional leaders in Europe and Africa. Each navy should
operate with the assurance that cooperation and collaboration are critical to
the continued success of maintaining regional safety and security.
"There is no problem too great and no contribution too
small if we work collectively, and pool our resources to overcome the
challenges that threaten freedom and security in the global commons," said
Foggo. "We share the same views of maintaining safety and security of the
world's oceans and sea lanes. Through strengthened relationships, we can work
together to increase peace and prosperity throughout the region."
Nations participating in this year's CFMCC course include:
Algeria, Belgium, Benin, Cabo Verde, Congo, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana,
Guinea, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe,
Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Spain, Tanzania, Togo,
Tunisia, United Kingdom, and the United States.
The first CFMCC course, which focused on U.S. Naval Forces
Central Command, was held in September 2006 in Newport, Rhode Island. Since
then, CFMCC has expanded to include three courses conducted periodically in the
European, Middle East and Pacific regions. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa
hosted CFMCC courses in 2008, 2010, and 2014.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples,
Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, join,
and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and
security and stability in Europe and Africa.
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