2006 Press Releases

US Government Donates Three Patrol Boats To The Republic Of Sierra Leone

Freetown                                                                         
May 26, 2006
Contact: PAO
Tel: 226481

On May 26 the United States Department of State donated three patrol boats to the Maritime Wing of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The donation is in support of increasing the security capacity of the RSLAF.  The donation value equals  $1.2 million.  The United States Department of Defense has assisted with this contribution by the training of personnel in Sierra Leone as well as scheduling training for Maritime safety and security in the United States.  The United States Department of Defense, in conjunction with the RSLAF, also  sponsors  several HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and counseling programs campaigns throughout the country. 
 
The boats will be used for coastal security and law enforcement, giving the RSLAF the capacity to patrol and protect the natural resources of Sierra Leone waters. Personnel of the RSLAF Maritime wing have completed basic boat driving training and a course in Patrol Craft Propulsion Systems Maintenance. The United States Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School administered the training.  In the near future the United States will continue its support with expanded courses in maintenance and boat operations. 
 
The boats are 32 foot long Dauntless-class patrol boats manufactured by Seaark with in-board, stern drive propulsion. They also have floodlights, searchlights and foghorns to assist commercial and leisure vessels in emergency situations..
 
Sierra Leone’s President Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah witnessed the ceremony, as well as officials of the Ministry of Defense and other distinguished guests. Delivering his remarks, US Ambassador Thomas Hull said, “This country’s waters are a precious resource, both beautiful and rich with sea life.  It is our hope that these boats are used to protect the sea-borders as well as guard against illegal fishing along with other illegal activities off the coast of Sierra Leone.  Let these boats be a symbol of the concern of the people of the United States for the ongoing development of Sierra Leone.”