170131-N-XT273-017 PORT LOUIS, Mauritius (Jan. 31, 2017) Scott Ticknor, Combined Joint Task Force Political Advisor, delivers remarks during the Cutlass Express 2017 opening ceremonies. Cutlass Express 2017 is sponsored by the U.S. Africa Command, and is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Western Indian Ocean nations to counter illicit maritime activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)