Combined Task Force 150’s (CTF-150) flagship, French Ship (FS) Var, and Her Majesty’s Ship Richmond recently stopped in Dar Es Saalam for a port visit in May. Captain (Capt) Crignola, Commanding Officer of the Task Force, took this opportunity to meet with Brigadier General (BG) Hi Majumba, Deputy Commander of the Tanzanian Navy at the Tanzanian Navy headquarters.

Meeting between Capt Crignola, Commander CTF-150 and Brigadier General (BG) Hi Majumba, Deputy Commander of the Tanzanian Navy, on May 11, during CTF-150 flagship FS Var port visit in Dar Es Saalam, Tanzania.
Meeting between Capt Crignola, Commander CTF-150 and Brigadier General (BG) Hi Majumba, Deputy Commander of the Tanzanian Navy, on May 11, during CTF-150 flagship FS Var port visit in Dar Es Saalam, Tanzania.

This warm meeting was the occasion for both officers to talk about the possibility to increase operational cooperation between CTF-150 and Tanzania and to develop capacity building. The Tanzanian Brigadier General expressed his determination to contribute to stability in the region and also highlighted efforts made to stop the flow of illegal trafficking through Tanzania. He also credited the decrease of piracy to the coordinated actions led by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and European Union Task Forces (EUNAVFOR) and thanked CMF for its action in favor of maritime security.

“Through cooperation, Tanzanian Navy contributes to regional maritime security. We are sharing the same goal and that is why it is interesting for all of us to keep working together”, Capt. Crignola said. He also acknowledged Tanzania for their participation in Cutlass Express exercise, a Combined training that focuses on addressing maritime threats through information sharing and coordinated operations among allied navies.

French officer from FS Var describing French fire alarm security processes to Tanzanian seamen during a security training (SECUREX), onboard the ship
French officer from FS Var describing French fire alarm security processes to Tanzanian seamen during a security training (SECUREX), onboard the ship

The presence of FS Var in Dar Es Salaam provided a good opportunity to lead capacity building exercises. Welcomed by the French crew onboard FS Var, Tanzanian seamen came to visit the ship on May 15. They also attended several trainings including a boarding exercise (visit of a suspicious ship), and a fire security exercise, consisting in a simulated fire start in a critical local. These common trainings, conducted on a regular basis, were a good exercise opportunity for the crew and the occasion for seamen of both countries to share their knowledge and experience.

Meeting between Capt Crignola, Commander CTF-150 and Brigadier General (BG) Hi Majumba, Deputy Commander of the Tanzanian Navy, on May 11, during CTF-150 flagship FS Var port visit in Dar Es Saalam, Tanzania.
French officer from FS Var describing French fire alarm security processes to Tanzanian seamen during a security training (SECUREX), onboard the ship

The same day, a CTF-150 delegation was also received at the Tanzanian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center by Commanding officer Capt. Ken Chimwejo. The center mainly deals with rescue missions, counter-piracy and maritime pollution issues.