 Obangame Saharan Express 2016 is in full swing. The multinational maritime exercise, facilitated by U.S. naval forces Europe, Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet, is tailored toward improving cooperative theater security capabilities in the Gulf of Guinea and off the coast of West Africa. The general idea of Obangame is to empower our West African Navy counterparts. The exercise tests maritime forces in a broad range of naval operations in order to increase capability and capacity for West African nations to deter piracy, illicit trafficking and other maritime threats. The challenges of this part of the Atlantic, if not solved, tomorrow the same challenges could be on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. So by working together as true partners, you can always, always help solve a problem at the lowest level possible. Participating countries have set up shore-based maritime operations centers throughout the region. It is my favorite belief that this year's exercise will also be an improvement over the 2015 edition to symbolize progress in multinational cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea and Saharan regions. Obangame Saharan Express 2016 features contributions by 24 countries spanning North and South America, Europe and Africa. I am confident this will lead to increased regional cooperation, interoperability and ultimately enhance maritime safety and security throughout the Gulf of Guinea and Western Africa. From Sikandigana, I'm Petty Officer Kelby Sanders.