The Military Sealift Command (MSC) Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Yuma (T-EPF 8) arrived in Tangier, Morocco, for a port visit on March 19, 2021.

“We look forward to strengthening our US-Moroccan maritime partnership,” said Commodore, Military Sealift Command Europe, and Africa (MSCEURAF) and Commander, Task Force 63 (CTF-63) Capt. Frank Okata. “This visit demonstrates U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s steady effort to build global maritime partnerships with African nations in order to improve maritime safety and security in the region."

This visit comes on the heels of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) participation in Lightning Handshake, a bilateral maritime exercise between the U.S. and the Royal Moroccan Navy (RMN) and Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) conducted during the first week of March. In January, and again in March, Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) participated in the exercise Atlas Handshake with the Royal Moroccan Navy.

These high-end strike Naval Surface Fire Support exercises and aerial refueling operations demonstrate our joint capabilities.

The visit also comes as the U.S. and Morocco celebrate the 200th anniversary of Morocco giving the United States the American Legation building in Tangier as a gift. It became the first U.S. diplomatic post in Morocco, and, today, it is a museum and an enduring symbol of the friendship between our two countries.

This visit demonstrates U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s steady effort to build global maritime partnerships with African nations in order to improve maritime safety and security in the region.

Force (RMAF) conducted during the first week of March. In January, and again in March, Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) participated in the exercise Atlas Handshake with the Royal Moroccan Navy.

These high-end strike Naval Surface Fire Support exercises and aerial refueling operations demonstrate our joint capabilities.

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The visit also comes as the U.S. and Morocco celebrate the 200th anniversary of Morocco giving the United States the American Legation building in Tangier as a gift. It became the first U.S. diplomatic post in Morocco, and, today, it is a museum and an enduring symbol of the friendship between our two countries.

This visit demonstrates U.S. Naval Forces Africa’s steady effort to build global maritime partnerships with African nations in order to improve maritime safety and security in the region.

USNS Yuma conducts forward-deployed logistics support and humanitarian aid. The ship is crewed by both U.S. Navy Sailors and civil service mariners.

MSC operates approximately 125 naval auxiliary civilian-crewed ships, replenishes U.S. Navy ships, strategically prepositions combat cargo at sea, and moves military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners around the world.

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U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. 

HENRY CHIDOZIE

Maritime / Crime Analyst

PFSO, CSO (UK Maritime & Coast Guide Certified)

E-mail: henry51dozie@gmail.com

Phone: +234 8096398368

Twitter: @HenryChidozie8