U.S., Ghana Complete AMLEP 2015

 

U.S. and Ghanaian and maritime forces completed Africa Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP) 2015 operations, Feb. 24, 2015.

The Military Sealift Command’s joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) and an embarked combined law enforcement detachment (LEDET), working in tandem with Ghanaian navy’s Western Naval Command Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and patrol vessels, were able to detect three vessels that were violating Ghanaian maritime law and cite them for follow-on judicial action.

The combined Ghana-U.S. efforts—another example of the Global Network of Navies—improves interoperability between both nations and helps deter illicit activity that threatens freedom and security in the global commons.

“The results of this year’s AMLEP extend beyond the number of boardings and violations of maritime law. The true end result is greater security in Ghana’s exclusive economic zone – security that I am confident will endure,” stated Rear Adm. Tom Reck, U.S. 6th Fleet vice commander

“Our deployment serves to strengthen Africa Partnership Station, which is the overarching program for operations like Africa Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership. Aboard Spearhead is a diverse and motivated team that has traveled from the United States to the Gulf of Guinea to work alongside navies like Ghana in order to mutually build maritime security capacity and grow our Global Network of Navies,” Cmdr. Matthew Flemming, Africa Partnership Station mission commander added.

“During this exercise period, ships were arrested as a result of swift reaction from the team. The arrested vessels have been handed over to the appropriate state agencies for prosecution. It is worth noting that the collective effort of the Ghana Navy, Marine Police and Fisheries Commission with the support of our foreign partners on this exercise is a clear indication of importance of cooperation among stakeholders,” commented Commodore Mark Yawson flag officer fleet of the Ghanaian navy