2004 Press Releases

RSLAF Soldiers Graduate

March 19, 2004

Freetown
Contact: PAO Kevin Green
Tel: 226481

The U.S. Government funds RSLAF Training in Freetown

Freetown, March 18, 2004… The United States Government-funded military logistics facility at Murray Town Barracks, graduated twelve military personnel from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces on Friday, March 19. Larry André, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S, Embassy, presented the participants with certificates of training.

 They completed a four-month training program on various techniques in improving their driving, vehicle maintenance and generator maintenance skills. Ten military personnel were trained in vehicle maintenance and two in generator maintenance. To complement their training, the U.S. Government has donated three vehicles and Land Rover spare parts valued at $62,000.
 
Since the establishment of the Freetown PAE Depot on August 15, 2002, the U.S. Government has committed $3 million to fund the construction of the facility. The Depot’s mission is to deliver quality logistics training and maintenance support to African militaries, in support of peace and stability with a focus on building capacity.  The Government of the United States congratulates the Government of Sierra Leone for its contributions toward promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation in West Africa.

Since the start of this program, other contingents from Guinea, Mali, Chad, Mauritania and RSLAF have received similar training from this depot, which has made them well equipped to serve their nation and sub-region.

The Depot is currently supporting ECOMICI and has also completed its support to ECOMIL on November 12, 2003. The U.S. Government thanks the Government of Sierra Leone for their partnership and vision in this endeavor. ##