On Tuesday 18 February, after the EU Naval Force flagship, FS Siroco, arrived in Mombasa for a port visit, the French warship’s commanding officer, Captain Jean-Marc Le Quilliec officially delivered diplomas to members of the Mauritians Coast Guard who had completed their training course at sea.
The 16 members of the Mauritian Coast Guard team were embarked on board FS Siroco between 4 February – 18 February and were given a full two-week training course at sea on boarding operations, combat first aid and French military close combat training.
A joint team from the French Landing Ship Dock and the Operation Atalanta Force Headquarters, gave briefings and demonstrations on boarding/friendly approaches, the international law of the sea and evidence collection.
The training was viewed as a great success, contributing to the growing mutual understanding between the EU Naval Force and Mauritius Coast Guard forces.
On completion of the training, one of the Mauritian trainees stated “This has been a great opportunity to learn additional techniques in order to enhance our operational efficiency – thanks to the EU Naval Force.”
The Force Commander of EU Naval Force, Rear Admiral Hervé Bléjean, who is embarked in FS Siroco and attended the ceremony said after the event, “I am very pleased that the EU Naval Force has been able to deliver some valuable training at sea for members of Mauritian National Coast Guard. Mauritius is a key regional partner and we are always keen to develop even more our excellent cooperation, working shoulder to shoulder against piracy in the Eastern Africa region.”
[mappress] Press Release, February 24, 2014, 2014; Image: EU Navfor