 This year marks the fourth iteration of Cutlass Express. Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is kicking off. This exercise, featuring more than 250 participants, centers on improving regional cooperation, detection capabilities, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing. At the end of the exercise, I look forward to seeing what we all are and how we've grown together. What do these skills amount to? Well, they are all necessary to effectively counter those at sea who are up to no good. Deputy Commodore of Deseron 60, Captain Richard Drummerhauser, explains the significance of participation. These exercises build, and when they build, you have built from the ground up an understanding and a friendship amongst all the participants. Cutlass is one of four Express Series exercises in Africa, facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet. From Port Louisa, Mauritius, I'm Senior Airman Levi Rouse.