US GOVERNMENT DONATES HUGE EQUIPMENT TO LIBERIA COAST GUARD
In an effort to enhance its operational capacity, the Government of the United States has presented over US three hundred thirteen thousand dollars worth of equipment to the Liberia Coast Guard.
The items donated include five 40 Horse-power Mercury Engines and assorted spare parts for the Liberia Coast Guard operational boats.
Making the donation on Thursday, June 17, 2021, US Ambassador to Liberia, Michael A. McCarthy, said the donation is intended to boost the operational readiness of the Liberian Coast Guard.
Ambassador McCarthy said the postwar Liberian Coast Guard Unit of the Armed Forces of Liberia was activated in 2010 based on a 2007 agreement between the US Government and the Government of Liberia to develop a specialized unit within the AFL to provide maritime security for the Government and people of Liberia.
He noted that since the activation of the Coast Unit of the AFL, the United States Government has spent over Three Million United States dollars (3,000,000 USD) on the development of the necessary Coast Guard infrastructures at the Coast Guard Base and at the Port of Buchanan.
Amb. McCarthy stated that the US has also provided several training opportunities for personnel of the Liberian Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of Liberia, thus maintaining that the US remains supportive of the activities and professional development of the AFL and the Liberian Coast Guard.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Ministry of National Defense and the AFL, Deputy Defense Minister for Operations, Prince K. Vincent, praised the US Government for its endless support to the Ministry and the AFL over the years in the areas of training and provision of equipment that have strengthened the professionalism of the personnel of the Liberian Army.
Deputy Minister Vincent used the occasion to appeal to the US for more training opportunities for personnel of Central Administration and the Armed Forces of Liberia.
The Deputy Minister said he looks forward to re-energizing all of the programs within the defense sector for the benefit of the AFL and the Defense Ministry.
He noted that the donation will greatly enhance Liberia’s Coast Guard capability in responding to illegal activities on Liberia’s territorial waters, considering the growing wave of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
