U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet
January 9, 2023

International exercise Obangame Express 2023 set to begin

Exercise Obangame Express 2023 (OE23), the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western and Central Africa, will kick off its 12th year with 29 participating nations at an opening ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, Jan. 23, 2023.

Conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), OE23 is designed to improve regional cooperation….

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OE23, one of three NAVAF-facilitated regional exercises, provides collaborative opportunities for African and U.S. forces….

Nigeria will host this year’s exercise in its capital city of Lagos. The exercise will also features multiple at sea and ashore training events throughout the Gulf of Guinea and the Southern Atlantic Ocean….

The 29 nations scheduled to participate in OE23 include Angola, Benin, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Italy, Liberia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Congo, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and the United States. Also participating will be the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).