Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus met with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment Marines assigned to Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SP MAGTF) Africa while in Gabon June 16.
The Marines were in Gabon conducting theater security training with Gabonese anti-poaching units.
“The work you are doing here will have an impact long after you leave,” Mabus told the Marines during an all-hands call. “Your efforts are directly enhancing security here and will be felt throughout the region.”
He also spoke about the impact the Marines’ presence in Gabon had on the United States’ relationship with the Gabonese.
The Marines who met with the Mabus appreciated the visit from the leader of the Department of the Navy.
While in Gabon, Mabus also spoke with Marines at the U.S. embassy and met with senior Gabonese government and military officials.
Mabus’ stop in Gabon is part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. European and Africa Command areas of responsibility focused on reinforcing existing partnerships and visiting Sailors and Marines providing forward presence.
[mappress] Press Release, June 17, 2014; Image: US Navy