Foreign
THE United States Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) has arrived at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard in Lagos for a scheduled port visit.
The U.S. Consulate said, in a statement, that the Mohawk arrived Lagos on Thursday, August 18.
According to the consulate, during the visit, Mohawk officers will meet with Nigerian Navy leadership at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Apapa, as well as host ship tours for Nigerian government and military officials.
Will Stevens, U.S. Consul General in Lagos noted that his country was committed to supporting the Nigerian Navy in its efforts to both secure its own territorial waters and those of the greater Gulf of Guinea.
“Cooperation and the ability to operate together in the maritime domain are necessary to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to counter piracy, oil bunkering, illegal fishing, and other sea-based illicit activities,” he said.
Stevens and Commander Andrew Pate, Mohawk’s Commanding Officer, met with Rear Adm. Yakubu Wambai, the Flag Officer Commanding of Nigeria’s Western Naval Command, to discuss the U.S. and Nigeria’s shared commitment to a safe and secure Gulf of Guinea.
The consulate said that following the port visit, Mohawk would conduct two days of at-sea engagements with the Nigerian Navy to promote maritime security cooperation.
“Nigeria is a participant in exercise Obangame Express, the largest multinational annual maritime security exercise in West Africa, and will host the next iteration in January of 2023.
“Obangame Express encourages countries to work together to address transnational maritime challenges.”
According to the consulate, the waters surrounding the African continent are crucial for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets. (NAN)
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