RABAT, Morocco (July 22, 2026) – Senior leaders from U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, and the Italian San Marco Brigade met during the African Maritime Forces Summit 2026 to strengthen their collaborative partnership in support of shared security interests in the Mediterranean.
The engagement between Maj. Gen. Daniel L. Shipley, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, and Italian Marine Brig. Gen. Massimiliano Stecca, commander of the San Marco Brigade, focused on enhancing innovation and operational readiness. The leaders discussed how their combined efforts as NATO allies are essential to promote regional stability and shared security across the Mediterranean.
By reinforcing their own interoperability, both commanders affirmed their commitment to the summit’s core purpose: to empower African maritime leadership. A stable Mediterranean flank enables international partners to better support African-led solutions to security challenges.
“Our partnership with Italy is fundamental to security in the Mediterranean,” said Maj. Gen. Shipley. “By enhancing our joint readiness and embracing innovation, we create a stable environment that supports our African partners and reinforces global maritime order. This summit is about building a network of trusted partners, and our relationship with the San Marco Brigade is a testament to that effort.”
The meeting exemplifies the AMFS 2026 theme, "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security," demonstrating how established alliances contribute to broader global security.