U.S. and Moroccan naval forces conducted joint surface naval fire support drills off the coast of Agadir from Dec. 2 to 4, the U.S. Sixth Fleet said Monday, underscoring deepening defense cooperation between Rabat and Washington.
The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Paul Ignatius participated in the bilateral “Atlas Handshake” exercise alongside Morocco’s Royal Navy during a scheduled port visit to Agadir, according to the U.S. Navy in Europe and Africa.
The drills included interoperability training with the Moroccan frigate Tariq Ben Ziyad, as well as visit, board, search and seizure operations, anti submarine warfare exercises, and live fire training at a Moroccan range.
Cmdr. Joseph Phillips, commanding officer of the Paul Ignatius, said the exercises strengthened the two forces’ ability to counter illegal maritime activities and maintain operational readiness across the region.
U.S. Ambassador Duke Buchan said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to regional security and safeguarding maritime trade.
The Paul Ignatius is deployed under the U.S. Sixth Fleet, based in Naples, Italy, which oversees naval operations in Europe and Africa.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.