Tug boats assist the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) as it departs Naval Station Norfolk. Nassau will be participating in a multi-national combined exercise with North African and European forces during exercise PHOENIX EXPRESS. The exercise will provide U.S. and allied forces an opportunity to participate in diverse maritime training scenarios helping to increase maritime domain awareness and strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick W. Phoenix Express 2007, a two-week exercise designed to strengthen U.S. and European maritime partnerships with North Africa, began April 10.