The Tunisian Navy has conducted a commissioning ceremony for two Island-class patrol boats, which the United States transferred to Tunisia, the latest in a series of U.S. equipment contributions that strengthen Tunisia’s capacity to secure its maritime borders and advance regional security.
As disclosed, the event happened during a scheduled port visit of Blue Ridge-class command and control ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20).
As the flagship of the U.S. 6th Fleet, Mount Whitney plays a key role in maritime security and cooperation throughout the Mediterranean and African theaters.
The visit, which took place on April 17, underscores the U.S. commitment to regional stability and its enduring strategic partnership with Tunisia.
“The USS Mount Whitney’s visit is especially meaningful because it falls during the 220 th anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Derna, when, through the support and cooperation of Tunisia, the U.S. military defeated maritime terrorism to make a more stable and secure region for commerce and economic development,” U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia Joey Hood said.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with our Tunisian counterparts and reaffirm our commitment to working together for a more stable and secure Mediterranean,” Commander of U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Adm. J. T. Anderson said.
The Island-class patrol vessels boast a length of 34 meters and a beam of 6.4 meters. The boats are a US Coast Guard modification of a highly successful British-designed patrol boat. The cutters are equipped with advanced electronics and navigation equipment, and they are able to reach a speed of 28 to 30 knots. The US will replace the Island-class units with Sentinel-class patrol boats.