 Exercise, Obangami Express 2014 comes to a close in the Gulf of Guinea. With over 20 nations participating, the exercise helped strengthen cooperation and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea. I thought the exercise was very successful in bringing together 31 ships from 22 nations, working in three geographically separated operational areas to enhance and build capacity of the regional navies in order to promote security in the maritime environment. The exercise, being conducted for the fourth time, culminated in a three-day underway phase that challenged ships and boarding teams to conduct operations that mirrored real-world scenarios. The oceans, the maritime domain all over the world, must be kept safe because about 90 percent of commerce goes through the oceans. So if that place is not safe, how are you going to get your goods that you don't produce in your country? Everyone needs the sea to survive. Participating forces now look to build on this year's success for a safer and more secure Gulf of Guinea. Petty Officer Matt Wright, Duwala, Cameroon.