US Navy trains Kenyan seamen aboard American war ships

NAVY TRAINING

JANUARY 15, 2010

BY EUGENE OMILO

Kenya Navy officers are among 45 soldiers who graduated from a weeklong training session organized by the US Navy under the African Partnership Station (APS).

The training was done aboard US warships USS Nicholas and HSV -2 Swift  and was meant to benefit soldiers from various African countries including Tanzania and Djibouti to help them  secure their countries’ Coastlines.

During a media briefing aboard the USS Nicholas yesterday, APS Commander James Tranoris said continued cooperation between the US and African forces will see great improvement in maritime security in the region.

He said the main challenges facing the East African ports were drug and human trafficking, illegal fishing and piracy which has remained rampant in the horn of Africa.

The officers who graduated are expected to pass on their skills to fellow officers during their training programmes.

Swift.

The officers had on Thursday organized a cocktail aboard the HSV-2 Swift where government officials and local leaders were invited to tour the military vessel.

Among those who attended including Internal Security minister George Saitoti, Environment assistant minister Ramadhan Kajembe, Coast PC Ernest Munyi and US ambassador Michael Rannerberger.

Prof Saitoti said the training given to the Kenyan soldiers will permeate to strengthen the forces in the remaining East African countries.

“We need to see more of your ships as their presence will help reduce piracy activities in the region,” said Saitoti.

He said the government is committed to reform the police force so that it can partake more responsibilities in terms of ensuring  security in the country  and make officers people friendly.

Rannerberger said the US will continue supporting the Kenyan military, police and customs officers to help improve boarder security to avert terrorism and illegal trade.

Tranoris said 10 Kenya Navy officers will be among the Ships’ crew leaving on Sunday for Tanzania then head to Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros during their six month  deployment.

 APS is an international initiative developed by US Naval Forces Europe-US Naval Forces Africa, which supports US Africa Command's  mission by working cooperatively with US and international partners to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

ENDS...