By: Mohamed Sahr
The United States Embassy through the Office of Security Cooperation, led an Outboard Motor Maintenance Course (OMM) for twenty members of Sierra Leones Navy and the Sierra Leone Police Marine Division at the Naval Base in Murray Town, Freetown from 9th-20th December 2024.
A delegation from the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) International Mobile Training Branch, based in Yorktown, Virginia, gave classroom lectures and practical lessons on maintenance procedures on various boat engines with the goal of enhancing the readiness of the Navy and Maritime Police.
Abdul Karim Dumbuya, Sierra Leone Western Naval Commander and Captain (Navy) underscored the need for courses like the OMM to be conducted in order for members of the Navy and Police to be better equipped to properly maintain their fleet of engines, as well as to ensure operational readiness.
Lieutenant Kyle Pope, USCG, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to exchange practices with the police and navy in Sierra Leone.
The outboard motor maintenance course focuses on the critical role of preparedness in maritime security.
This initiative will help Sierra Leone’s maritime forces ensure the sustainability and reliability of their patrol boats, which are vital for safeguarding coastal waters, combating illegal fishing, and addressing transnational threats. By equipping participants with essential technical skills, the training not only enhances their ability to maintain necessary equipment but also fosters greater self-reliance and efficiency. This United States-Sierra Leone partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting regional maritime safety, security, and economic stability.
This year, the U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), has also offered courses on maritime emergencies and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, in an ongoing joint effort to further professionalize Sierra Leone’s military. The U.S. Embassy Freetown looks forward to continued partnership with RSLAF in the future.
