Morocco and the United States are strengthening their military cooperation and strategic defense partnership between the two countries is gaining momentum as shown by the visit made March 19 by spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Yuma to the Tangier port.
“We look forward to strengthening our US-Moroccan maritime partnership,” said Commodore, Military Sealift Command Europe and Africa (MSCEURAF) and Commander, Task Force 63 (CTF-63) Capt. Frank Okata.
This visit comes few weeks after the U.S. and Moroccan Royal Air Forces and Navy conducted maritime exercise “Lightning Handshake” to enhance their interoperability.
Royal Navy Frigate Tarik Ben Ziyad (SIGMA Class Frigate), Royal Naval HQ Maritime Operations Center (MOC), Royal Air Force HQ Air Operations Center (AOC), one Panther Helicopter, F-16 and F-5 fighter aircraft took part in the exercise with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, Destroyer Squadron 22 ships comprising Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitscher (DDG 57), and USS Porter (DDG 78).
In January, and again in March, Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) participated in exercise Atlas Handshake with the Royal Moroccan Navy.
These naval exercises, which include surface fire support and aerial refueling operations, show the two countries enduring friendship and commitment to advance regional maritime safety and security.