Morocco Participates in Major US-Led Naval Exercise Off Atlantic Coast

Marrakech – Morocco is taking part in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250, a large-scale multinational maritime drill launched on June 16 from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Ships from 17 allied and partner nations arrived at the base on June 14-15 in preparation for the exercise. The drill brings together 31 warships, aircraft, and crews from 19 nations for structured training in the Atlantic Ocean through June 29. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) join Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Senegal, Spain, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A welcome reception aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima marked the opening of the exercise. FLEETEX 250 is led by the US 2nd Fleet and is divided into two phases. The harbor phase, running from June 16 to 21, covers final planning, briefings, and force integration at Naval Station Norfolk. The at-sea execution phase, from June 22 to 29, will see participating ships conduct training across anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and amphibious operations. The exercise culminates in a scenario-driven free-play battle problem against a simulated adversary. “Training and operating as an integrated team sharpens our competitive edge and demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Atlantic,” stated Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander of the US 2nd Fleet. Morocco’s participation comes weeks after the conclusion of African Lion 2026, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent. Co-hosted by Morocco and led by the US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), the exercise ran from April 20 to May 8 across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia. It involved over 5,600 personnel from more than 40 nations training across land, air, maritime, and special operations domains. Speaking via remote address at the closing ceremony in Agadir on May 8, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said “there is no better partner than Morocco” to host the exercise. He described Morocco’s commitment to the drills, now in their 22nd year, as “exceptional and sustained.” Hegseth also noted that Morocco was the first country to formally recognize the United States in 1777. “As we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of our independence, we also recognize that this unique friendship will celebrate its own 250th anniversary in the coming months,” he said. The ceremony also saw the awarding of the US Legion of Merit to Gen. Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and commander of the Southern Zone. The naval exercise also follows the signing of a new 10-year defense cooperation roadmap between Rabat and Washington in April, covering the 2026-2036 period. The agreement was finalized on April 15 at the Pentagon during the 14th session of the Morocco-US Defense Consultative Committee. Morocco’s delegation was led by Minister Delegate for National Defense Abdellatif Loudiyi and Gen. Berrid. US Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby said the roadmap “will guide our historic defense relationship for the next decade.” The exercise runs concurrently with several public events in Norfolk, including the 50th Annual Norfolk Harbor Fest, Virginia SAIL 250, and Norfolk Fleet Week. These will feature public tours of warships and international tall ships, alongside a Parade of Sail. Following the exercise, many participating units will sail to New York City for the International Naval Review 250 from July 3 to 8, marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.