Lt. Carl Eschler works with the crew aboard the IndependĂȘncia (F 44), a Brazilian Niteroi-class frigate during Operation Guinex off Atlantic Africa in September. Operation Guinex was the first Brazilian lead operation in the region with the main goal of the exercise is to strengthen relationships and increase, in a reciprocal manner, the maritime security capabilities of Brazil and West African countries. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)