Obangame Express, 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 Gulf of Guinea and West Africa coastal regions. Original public domain image from <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cne-cna-c6f/51063095177/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>

Carson City is deployed to the Gulf of Guinea to demonstrate progress through partnerships and U.S. commitment to West African countries through small boat maintenance assistance, maritime law enforcement engagement, and medical and community relations outreach. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sara Eshleman/Released). Original public domain image from <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cne-cna-c6f/48363891606/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>

Carson City is deployed to the Gulf of Guinea to demonstrate progress through partnerships and U.S. commitment to West African countries through small boat maintenance assistance, maritime law enforcement engagement, and medical and community relations outreach. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Travis Simmons/Released). Original public domain image from <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cne-cna-c6f/48371199931/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>

Obangame Express 2018, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA), information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released). Original public domain image from <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/cne-cna-c6f/26199673177/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>