Between 30–31 May 2013, the crew from French Navy frigate FS Guépratte, which is part of the EU’s counter piracy task force, conducted cooperation activities with the Tanzanian Navy whilst alongside Dar-es-Salaam, within the framework of the Local Maritime Capacity Building (LMCB) programme of the EU Naval Force, Operation Atalanta.
Organized by Commander Benjamin Chauvet, who is the EU Naval Force’s Liaison Officer to Kenya and Tanzania, a highlight of the LMCB activities included a visit on May 30th by Brigadier General Abdullah Mwemjudi, the Operations and Military Training Commander of the Tanzanian Navy.
The training also included discussions and a hull inspection by both the French and Tanzanian diving teams.
On 31 May ten Tanzanian sailors went on board FS Guépratte for a presentation on the damage control and fire fighting organization, followed by a damage control exercise, namely a flood caused by an impact on the ship’s hull under the waterline.
These interactions within the framework of EU NAVFOR Local Maritime Capacity Building help to strengthen relationships between the French and Tanzanian Navies. They contribute to mutual understanding and common procedures of regional navies, who are committed in counter piracy and maritime security.