In support of Mauritius as a regional maritime security partner, the U.S.
Embassy Mauritius today heralded the refurbishment of three patrol boats donated to the Mauritius National Coast Guard (NCG) by the United States in 2010. As part of this Patrol Boat Maintenance and Logistical Support (PBMLS) project, the United States provided funding for specialized parts and equipment as well as specialized training for 16 personnel. Amid growing challenges in the Indian Ocean of piracy, trafficking in persons and narcotics, and illegal fishing, the United States and Mauritius continue our deepening partnership to protect the safety, security, and prosperity of both our nations. Mauritius’s growing capacity to
monitor, patrol, and interdict illegal maritime activities, support a more stable and peaceful Indian Ocean enabling our burgeoning cooperation on trade, investment, financial services, and technology.
The ceremony, held at Customs Steps, Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis, brought together U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Craig Halbmaier, Commissioner of Police Rampersad Sooroojebally, National Coast Guard Commandant Captain Binoop, National Coast Guard personnel, and representatives of Advanced Engineering Solutions & Services. The PBMLS project is conducted under the U.S. Department of War’s Section 333 program to enhance the operational readiness and technical capacity of the Mauritian National Coast Guard. Advanced Engineering Solutions & Services worked alongside National Coast Guard technical
personnel, providing hands-on training to strengthen their ability to repair and maintain the three vessels. The training and technical collaboration also supported efforts to refurbish the vessels and restore them to full operational readiness.
The approximately $25,000 donation of specialized parts and equipment builds on a previous $100,000 donation. Together with technical training, the equipment will help increase the vessels’ operational readiness, extend engine hours, and enable more time at sea protecting Mauritius’s exclusive economic zone and countering transnational threats. During the ceremony, National Coast Guard maintenance personnel led Commissioner Sooroojebally, Captain Binoop, and Chargé d’Affaires Halbmaier on a tour of the patrol boats and explained the maintenance performed during the project.
The U.S. Embassy thanks the Commissioner of Police, the Home Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Office, the Commandant and officers of the National Coast Guard, and PBLMS trainers Gabriel Lopez and Rene Salinas for their contributions to the successful
completion of the project.
