180324-N-QR145-111 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 24, 2018) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) transits the Mediterranean Sea during exercise Obangame Express 2018, March 24. Exercise Obangame Express, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA), information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Krystina Coffey/Released)