Africa-Press – Mozambique. The United States navy could, in future, step up joint operations with the Mozambican navy, according to Capt Chad Graham, commanding officer of the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams.
Speaking at a press conference on the deck of the US warship, which has been moored in the port of Maputo since Friday, Graham said that joint missions will continue to strengthen the existing military relations between the two countries, in order to guarantee the security of shipping in the Indian Ocean.
“I see a bright future for cooperation with the Mozambican navy”, he said. “This will strengthen our commitment to maritime security and protection”.
Graham added that military partnership with Mozambique is a point of pride for the American navy. He pointed to the programmes under way, which include the training of commandos and marines, which could help stop the terrorist attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
“We believe that solid and complete training can build the capacity of Mozambican troops and make them fit for any mission”, he declared.
For his part, the spokesperson for the Command of the Mozambican Navy, Charifo Sabodino, said that while the US ship is in Mozambican waters, “we shall undertake joint activities arising from the existing interchange between the two navies”.
Asked whether the technology of this US vessel could be used to halt terrorist attacks in Cabo Delgado, Sabodino said the existing interchange allows the use of technology, including the transfer of knowledge to seek solutions for the country.
This marks the first port visit by a U.S. Navy ship to Mozambique since 2011. The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is the first warship permanently assigned to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.
“Our ability to conduct this level of military cooperation is a testament to the strength of the strategic partnership between our countries,” said Dennis W. Hearne, US Ambassador to Mozambique. “We share a common interest in ensuring the security, safety, and freedom of navigation in southern Africa, which is critical for Mozambique’s prosperity.”
Watch the TV Miramar report.
