From the Navy:
TUNIS, Tunisia – A 2008 Stafford Senior High School graduate, North Carolina State University graduate particiopated in Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, the 16th iteration of the North African maritime exercise that began May 17 in Tunis, Tunisia, and throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
Thirteen nations operated 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.
The 13 nations participating in Phoenix Express 2021 included Tunisia, Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Spain, and the United States.
Lt. Ryan Miller played a key role in supporting the exercise by being an aviation planner.
“I stand watch in the combined maritime operations center acting as a subject matter expert on aviation,” said Miller.
Exercise Phoenix Express is one of three regional maritime exercises executed by U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners that addresses maritime security concerns.
This year’s exercise control group was hosted at the La Goulette naval base in Tunis, Tunisia. The at-sea portion of the exercise tested North African, European, and U.S. maritime forces’ abilities to respond to irregular migration and to combat illicit trafficking and the movement of illegal goods and materials.
“Exercise Phoenix Express is an opportunity for the U.S. Navy to work side-by-side with our allies and partners to provide collaborative opportunities amongst African forces and international partners in order to address maritime security concerns,” said Rear Adm. Jeffrey S. Spivey, director, maritime partnership program, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa. “May we continue to further the region’s capacity to secure and protect its maritime domain through cooperation and teamwork.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Miller, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and broaden my horizons,” added Miller. “Exercises, like Phoenix Express, allow me opportunities for cultural exchange with our partner nations promoting maritime peace and stability in the region.”
