Lt. Carl Eschler accepts recognition of his efforts as the senior U.S. Coast Guard representative to Operation Guinex from Amb. Jeff Daigle, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde while aboard the IndependĂȘncia (F 44), a Brazilian Niteroi-class frigate during a stop in Cabo Verde Sept. 15, 2021. 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)