Phoenix Express 2026 concludes in Tunisia
TUNIS, Tunisia – Exercise Phoenix Express, a premier multinational maritime exercise facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Africa and led by U.S. 6th Fleet, concluded its 21st iteration during a closing ceremony held at La Goulette Naval Base in Tunisia, Sept. 18.
Hosted by the Tunisian Navy, this 12-day exercise brought together North African, European and U.S. maritime forces to enhance cooperation and expertise in maritime security operations in the southern Mediterranean Sea. Tunisia and the United States have a long history of partnership exemplified by the Phoenix Express series of exercises, which have been a focal point of our military-to-military cooperation since 2004.
“True partnership is not defined by the size of our respective fleets or our contributions, but by our willingness to align our efforts, share our responsibilities and work as a unified team,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. “Over the past two weeks, our crews have proven that we are bound by shared interests and shared responsibilities, maintaining a safe, secure, stable and open Mediterranean.”
U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Bill Bazzi said, “This year’s Phoenix Express once again demonstrated that when the United States, Tunisia and our regional allies and partners work together, we can make the region safer and more secure. A stable Mediterranean Sea is essential to the prosperity of both the United States and Tunisia.”
During Phoenix Express 2026, participating nations took part in combined training and collaborative exercises, working side-by-side to enhance information sharing and improve operational coordination. This year’s exercise took part across two week-long phases.
In-port and land-based command exercises incorporated the use of the multinational communication center, improving communications among maritime forces from Europe, North Africa and the United States. The in-port phase also included intelligence exchanges and academic and legal workshops.
The at-sea and tactical phase involved intensive visit, board, search and seizure drills, search and rescue drills, explosive ordnance disposal training, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense exchanges. Simulated maritime operations centers employed maritime tracking software to monitor vessel traffic data, improve ship-to-shore coordination and respond effectively to simulated maritime security challenges. Safeguarding a stable maritime environment in Africa is a shared strategic interest for all participants.
“Phoenix Express is more than an operational exercise; it strengthens trust and professional relationships among our navies,” said Adm. Adel Jehane, chief of staff of the Tunisian Navy. “The lessons learned here will guide our ability to cooperate better in the future.”
Participating nations in Phoenix Express 2026 include Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Georgia, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the U.S.
Phoenix Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Naval Forces Africa as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partner forces, to advance U.S. national interests and promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more information from U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, visit www.c6f.navy.mil.
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