150420-N-TC720-153 PRAIA, Cabo Verde U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Comander Rear Adm. Thomas G. Reck, right; Cape Verde Minister of Defense Rui Semedo, middle, and U.S. Ambassador to Cape Verde Donald Heflin, answer questions during the opening ceremony of Saharan Express 2015 at the Palacio do Governo in Praia, Cabo Verde, April 20, 2015. Saharan Express is a U.S. Africa Command-sponsored multinational maritime exercise designed to increase maritime safety and security in the waters of West Africa.