Admiral Michelle J. Howard Visits Algiers May 23-24, 2017

Admiral Michelle J. Howard, commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, completed a two-day trip to Algeria May 24, 2017, where she met with U.S. and Algerian civilian and military officials to discuss the enduring relationship shared by the nations’ militaries.

Additionally, Admiral Howard and her delegation visited the Algerian naval headquarters and its maritime operations center, toured an Algerian navy ship and experienced Algerian culture by participating in local tours of the host nation. Admiral Howard also met with partners at the African Union Fusion and Liaison unit as well as the African Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism.

“I very much appreciate the opportunity to meet with Algerian leadership,” said Admiral Howard. “Our militaries have common purposes, and we are all committed to the fight against terrorism, and the promotion of security in the region.”

The visit allowed Howard to see first-hand Algeria’s naval forces and the significant contributions they have made toward enhancing stability and security throughout the region.

“This visit also gave me the opportunity to discuss the standup of NATO’s hub at Joint Force Command Naples,” said Admiral Howard. “Our intent is to create an inclusive information sharing exchange and contribute to the coordination of organizations focused on the Middle East and North Africa.”

The United States and Algeria are two nations whose enduring bilateral relationship is bound together by partnership. The recent completion of exercise Phoenix Express 2017 demonstrated the commitment between the two countries and their navies.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.