CTF-150 commander visits maritime security bases |07 May 2021
The CTF team in discussion with Lt Col. Benoiton (Phoot: Thomas Meriton)
Commodore (Cdre) Dan Charlebois, the commander of Combined Task Force (CTF)-150 in NSA Bahrain, is leading a small team to Seychelles to meet key players in the country to discuss a better collaboration and coordination in matters of maritime security.
Accompanying Cdre Charlebois on this visit is policy advisor Joelle Nadeau; Commander Jeffrey Choat, N5 a plans officer for the Royal Australian Navy; Major Angela Orme and regional engagement officer N55 Lieutenant Justin Sowley.
Cdre Charlebois said that they were looking at areas of capacity building and how they can help the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) improve its capacity in combating illicit activities at sea.
He emphasised the importance of face to face engagement while working with different countries.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, travel and engagement have been very difficult over the last year or so. Since we work with a coalition of 34 countries in the Combined Maritime Forces, of which Seychelles is a partner nation, face to face engagement is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to building trust,” Cdre Charlebois said.
The delegation’s visit yesterday morning started at REFLECS3, where they met with the director of National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC), Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Benoiton and the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) team. Then they moved to the SCG base to meet with Lieutenant Colonel Jean Attala, commanding officer of SCG.
The GMCP’s function is to coordinate maritime operations with international organisations, partners such as CMF and regional centres.
Lt Col. Benoiton explained the importance of these visits and collaborations. “There are many benefits of these collaborations such as the exchange of practical experience to our coast guard. For example, they are a large force and we a small one, from them we can learn a lot about how to keep our maritime space tidy,” said Lt Col. Benoiton.
He thanked CMF for the dependable support, expressing GMCP’S continuous enthusiasm in interacting with them.
