European colonisation of Southeast Asia tightening Turkish control and eventual shut down of the Eastern Mediterranean gateways into Asia first prompted Portuguese, and later Spanish and Dutch sea voyagers to ship around Africa in search of new trading routes and business opportunities. Niccolò de' Conti arrived in Southeast Asia as the earliest documented European in the early 15th century. By 1498 Vasco da Gama, who had sailed round the Cape of Good Hope, established the first direct sea route from Europe to India. Central among the various plannings was to establish direct and permanent trade of the highly priced spices, that were native to Southeast
Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) is one of eleven current naval regions responsible for the operation and management of Naval shore installations and assigned staff in the European, African and Southwest Asian theaters of operation. EURAFSWA provides the shore support to the United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa, however it is a part of Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). Due to its large area, the region is one of the three CNIC regions commanded by a two star Rear Admiral, currently RADM Rick Williamson, and is headquartered on Naval Support Activity Naples Italy.