Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting flight operations from the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in support of exercise Obangame Express 2018, the largest regional maritime exercise in West Africa.

The eight-day exercise, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, focuses on countering the trafficking of illegal arms and drugs, human trafficking, illegal migration, piracy, and illegal fishing. Additionally, maritime interdiction operations and search and rescue training are incorporated as part of the exercise.

HSC-28, known as the "Dragon Whales," actively deploy with the Second, Fifth and Sixth Fleets to provide critical mission support. Their capabilities include search and rescue operations, cargo and passenger transport, and fleet support to Navy, Air Force, and Army units along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. The squadron consists of 14 aircraft, 267 enlisted Sailors, and 51 officers.

"We are very excited to be here with the crew of the Mount Whitney supporting OE 18," said Lt. Cmdr. Richard Shiels, officer in charge, HSC-28, Detachment 1. "This is an opportunity for us to showcase the seamless integration of our flight operations with the ship and offer our support. We know that this is an incredibly important exercise for the Navy and our friends in the Gulf of Guinea. Our presence here in West Africa demonstrates our commitment to the region and improving maritime security on a long-term basis."

Mount Whitney operates with a combined crew of more than 300 Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. The ship's forward operating presence in the Gulf of Guinea represents the U.S. Navy's commitment to support West African nations in countering illegal activities at sea while expanding training opportunities and cooperation among regional maritime forces.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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