U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) and Royal Moroccan Navy Conduct Staff Talks in Morocco

25 February 2022

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/ U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

Leadership from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Sixth Fleet (NAVEUR-NAVAF-SIXTHFLT) and the Royal Moroccan Navy participated in staff talks to discuss future maritime interoperability and strengthening the bilateral relationship in Casablanca, Morocco, Feb. 21, 2022.

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Capt. John Tully, director of Africa engagements, and members of the Royal Moroccan Navy Delegation, have a discussion at the 1st Navy Base Pier in Casablanca, Morocco, during a Morocco Staff Talks event Feb. 22, 2022.

Capt. John Tully, director of Africa engagements, right, and Head of Delegation, Royal Moroccan Navy, left, pose for a photo on the 1st Navy Base Pier in Casablanca, Morocco, after a Morocco Staff Talks event Feb. 22, 2022.

"It was great sitting down with our Moroccan friends again-a relationship that's existed since the 1700s-to discuss opportunities for increased interoperability and complexity for our joint sea exercises," said Capt. John Tully, African Engagements Director. "The strength of our relationship with the Royal Moroccan Navy only reinforces maritime security in the southern Mediterranean and eastern Atlantic region, both at sea and ashore."

During the visit, U.S. Navy delegates had the opportunity to tour the Royal Moroccan Naval Warship Frigate Mohammed VI.

The U.S. and Morocco have a strong security relationship, and routinely work together to promote safety and security. In December 2021, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) partnered with the Royal Moroccan Navy’s Sigma-class frigate Allal Ben Abdallah (F 615) to transit the Strait of Gibraltar and enter the Mediterranean. This January, Morocco, Spain and the United States have led a joint rescue operation west of the Moroccan Coast.

“These fruitful discussions and our spirit of understanding with the U.S. Navy make it possible to boost bilateral cooperation, which is already solid and anchored in our historic relations,” said the head of the Royal Moroccan Navy delegation. “It’s an additional milestone in the strengthening of interoperability and meeting regional maritime security challenges.”

The U.S. shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, because these waters are critical for Africa's prosperity and access to global markets.

U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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