ADF STAFF | Photos by CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ARIF PATANI/U.S. NAVY
Participants in exercise Cutlass Express 2024 jump into a swimming pool for diver training in Victoria, Seychelles, on February 29, 2024. Eleven African naval forces participated in the U.S. Africa Command-sponsored exercise that was hosted by Djibouti, Kenya and Seychelles. The exercise goals are to enhance maritime domain awareness and collaboration, and strengthen the capability of nations to combat piracy, illicit trafficking, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The first week involved classroom sessions on how to deter sea crimes. The second week focused on tactical combat casualty care, marksmanship, at-sea maneuvers and close-combat techniques. Participants also observed operations at the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles. The center fights sea crimes with the support of regional members Comoros, Djibouti, France on behalf of Réunion Island, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles. “This exercise shows our mutual and unwavering commitment to ensuring maritime safety and security in the region,” said Brig. Michael Rosette, chief of Seychelles Defence Forces. “It is through such initiatives and interactions that we continue to improve our interoperability and build stronger ties with all our friendly partners in the region.”