 Maritime forces from East Africa, Europe and the United States held a conference in Naples, Italy to finalize plans for the multinational exercise Cutlass Express 2013, an exercise that seeks to increase maritime safety and security in the region. A key part of the conference was a tabletop exercise where participants worked through scenarios using maritime domain awareness tools. You have to get the experience how we manage information first of all and also how we can improve our procedures on counter all the threat affecting our region. The exercise not only improves procedures but provides countries the opportunity to work and learn from one another. As we continue to develop, we're going to continue to advance and to grow the partnerships, continue to build the skill sets so that both the partner, both the U.S. and the other countries that we're working together with have stronger skills, better communication, better safety and security at the sea. Cutlass Express 2013, one of four Express series exercises that U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa facilitates with African and European partners will begin in November and participating countries will put what they have learned to the test. Seaman Matt Wright, Naples, Italy.