US and Moroccan Navies Conduct Joint Exercise
The USS Paul Ignatius (DDG117) and Morocco’s Royal Navy conducted a bilateral naval exercise. This exercise took place in the Atlantic Ocean from December 2-4. The USS Paul Ignatius is a US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
The exercise, named Atlas Handshake, followed a port visit in Agadir. This reflects the ongoing friendship and cooperation between the United States and Morocco. The US embassy released a statement regarding the exercise .
Interoperability Training and Drills
During Atlas Handshake, the USS Paul Ignatius and RMNS Tarik Ben Ziyad conducted interoperability training. Training included visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) drills. A combined anti-submarine warfare exercise also occurred.
The navies concluded the exercise with a live fire event on a Moroccan range. This further enhanced their joint operational capabilities. The exercise improved coordination between the two navies.
Statements on the Importance of Cooperation
Joseph Phillips, commanding officer of USS Paul Ignatius, emphasized the value of cooperation. He stated that training with the Moroccan navy boosts collective lethality. This is crucial against illicit maritime activity.
Phillips explained that exercises like this ensure forces are ready. They also provide the lethality to safeguard against threats to U.S. interests. This includes threats in Africa and around the world.
Strengthening Regional Security
The US Navy emphasized that cooperation enhances regional peace, security, and prosperity. The partnership combats illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, among other challenges. These challenges also include trafficking and piracy.
US Ambassador to Morocco, Duke Buchan III, also stressed the importance of cooperation. He stated that the military partnership with Rabat is strong and growing. This strength reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to regional security and stability.
US Commitment to Maritime Security
The United States remains dedicated to supporting Morocco and African partners. Their support involves protecting maritime resources. It also involves ensuring the secure flow of global trade.
The USS Paul Ignatius is named after former Secretary of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius. It is deployed with the US 6th Fleet. The fleet supports the readiness and mission capabilities of US Naval Forces in Europe and Africa.
Protecting US and Partner Interests
The fleet aims to protect the US and its partners’ interests in these regions. The US 6th Fleet is based in Naples, Italy. The fleet carries out naval operations with partners.
These operations promote security and stability across both Europe and Africa. Exercises like Atlas Handshake are a key component of this strategy .
