'US committed in assisting Gambia Protect Security Threat'

United States Ambassador to The Gambia Pamela Ann White has underscored her country's commitment to assisting The Gambia protect itself against security threats through training courses such as the advanced boarding officers course recently conducted in Banjul by the US Coast Guard International Training Division.
"Gambia, like any other country, faces maritime threats from illegal fishing boats, narcotics traffickers, and other nefarious elements," Ambassador White said Friday at the closing ceremony of the two-week long advanced boarding officers course for 20 naval officers held at the Gambia Ports Authority.
The 20 navy sailors, who underwent both practical and theoretical training, were awarded certificates by the training instructors from US Coast Guard International Training Division.
The topics covered included extensive instructions and practical exercises in subject control techniques, defensive tactics, arrest procedures, use of force, judgmental exercises, and additional boarding exercises.
The US diplomat also announced that the Gambia Navy will take part in Saharan Express 2011 from 26 to 28 April, which is an exercise within the timeframe of ASP where neighboring navies (Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, Morocco, Cape Verde) and European partners will run boarding and tracking exercises at sea in order to build the capacity of neighboring countries in maritime security.
The objective, she added, is to work on communication and information-sharing between maritime operation centers in Senegal, Mauritania, and Cape Verde.
Ambassador White told the Gambia Navy officers that the techniques learnt during the course are vital in the navy efforts to protect Gambia's maritime security.
She expressed hope that the techniques learnt during the course will add to the Gambia's reputation as a safe and secure nation.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Major general Ousman Badjie, deputy Chief of Defense Staff, who said it was evident, all around the world, that the navy faces danger when it comes to illegal poaching, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, among other threats in the sea, adding that The  Gambia is not an exception to such threats.
Badjie noted that the Gambia Navy is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, noting that the two-week long course will develop the professional capacity of the country’s navy.
He commended the US Embassy for facilitating the training.
The Chief of Naval Staff Commodore Madani Senghore said that training is a continuous process in the Gambia Navy, so as to ensure the proper execution of duties in a professional manner.
1st Class Toni Little of the US Coast Guard International Training Division, and the Banjul team leader, expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the Navy officers, noting that they demonstrated a high sense of commitment and professionalism.

"The past two weeks was significant; you should be proud of your accomplishment and this will surely help you in the execution of your duties in the sea," he declared.