International military contingents from Morocco, U.S., Germany, United Kingdom, Tunisia, Mauritania and Senegal will begin the first phase of Exercise African Lion 2015, in Agadir, Morocco Feb. 2.

African Lion 15, the largest annual U.S. military exercise on the continent of Africa, will begin with an intelligence capacity building workshop the first week of February. The international coalition will then stand up a Combined Joint Task Force and plan for a simulated international crisis the week after. This will prepare them for the main phase of the exercise scheduled to take place mid-May.

The exercise is conducted in accordance with U.N.-mandated peace operation standards. Each event is designed to strengthen cooperation and operational proficiency between the nations for future crisis and contingency response in the region. The training focuses on building combined military capabilities and integrating experiences and lessons learned from the participants.

The second phase of the exercise involves approximately 2,500 personnel from participating countries and will also include contingents from the Netherlands and Belgium. The CJTF will work through a scenario that focuses on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, stability operations, command and control, and maritime prepositioning integration. The 2015 edition also integrates the Moroccan and U.S. Air Force Exercise Majestic Eagle, which will occur simultaneously with the second portion of African Lion, and focuses on aerial refueling and close air support training missions.

“The foundation of how our international community responds to a crisis in any region will be established during theater security cooperation exercises such as African Lion,” said Maj. Gen. Richard L. Simcock, commander of the CJTF. “This exercise allows the U.S., allies and partner nations to strengthen our relationships with our Moroccan hosts and improve how we will work together in the future.”

For questions concerning this exercise or for coverage requests, please contact the MARFOREUR/AF Public Affairs Office.