The four-day conference focused on a Global Network of Navies approach to enhancing collaborative efforts to achieve maritime security in the maritime domain around Africa.

Twenty-two African partner nations and nine international partners gathered in Naples, Italy for the 2016 Africa Partnership Station Annual Planning Conference held from 3-6 May. The U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) hosted the event which enables coastal African participants to build maritime security capacity through security force assistance events and engagements.

U.S. Naval course brings 33 naval leaders from Africa and Europe to discuss maritime issues of mutual concern in effort to improve war-fighting capability.

NAPLES, Italy (March. 2, 2015) Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, Vice Adm. James Foggo, III, welcomes Gabon navy Chief Rear Adm. Yves Keba Malekou as he arrives for the 2015 Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) Flag Course Africa at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, March 2, 2015. During this weeklong CFMCC course, facilitated by the U.S. Naval War College, 33 senior naval leaders from maritime countries in Europe and Africa will participate in seminars and discussions focusing on the effective employment of naval forces in a joint, coalition or interagency environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel P. Schumacher/Released)