Boat donation strengthens U.S.-Tanzania maritime security cooperation.

The United States donated two high-speed patrol boats to the Tanzanian Navy during a handover ceremony Dec. 16, 2022, at Navy Pier, Mikadi Beach in Dar es Salaam.

The boats, valued at $1.35 million, were provided by the U.S. Africa Command. The donation included boat repair and maintenance kits, towing vehicles, and a two-week training session on the use and maintenance of the crafts.

The 10.5-meter Interceptor boat will provide the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) Navy with a quick response capability to interdict illicit activities within the sovereign waters of Tanzania. The 11.5-meter command boat will provide the TPDF Navy with a command-and-control platform to coordinate efforts with other law enforcement agencies within the Tanzanian waters.

“Today’s donation is a continuation of our longstanding partnership with TPDF in the security arena, which includes ongoing support to help develop both Tanzania’s military and drug enforcement forces,” said U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Raines during the ceremony. “The United States continues to stand with Tanzania in its efforts to combat maritime threats, and I am certain these new boats will strengthen Tanzania’s ability to secure its maritime territory,” he said.

Security cooperation has been a pillar of the U.S.-Tanzania partnership for the past six decades. In recent years security cooperation has continued to increase. Tanzanian and U.S. special forces soldiers conducted three joint training exercises in Tanzania since July 2021 and in August 2022 Tanzania received a visit from the U.S. Hershel “Woody” Walker navy ship. 

Cooperation between U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies and the Tanzanian police has also accelerated. In April 2021 the Tanzanian Drug Control Enforcement Authority (DCEA), in cooperation with U.S. law enforcement agents, seized 494 kilograms of heroin and 355 kilograms of methamphetamine from a drug laden dhow off the coast of Tanzania. This was reported to be the largest illicit narcotics seizure in Tanzanian history.

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Raines (Center) and Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) Naval Commander, Rear Admiral Ramson Godwin Mwaisaka (Right), and Senior Defense Official Colonel Gerald Mathis pose for a photo after the United States donated two high-speed patrol boats to the Tanzanian Navy during a handover ceremony at Navy Pier, Mikadi Beach in Dar es Salaam on Friday, December 16, 2022. The donated boats, valued at $1.35 million, were provided by the U.S. Africa Command. The donation included boat repair and maintenance kits, towing vehicles, and a two-week training session on the use and maintenance of the crafts. (Photo by US Embassy Courtesy).

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Raines (Center) and Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) Naval Commander, Rear Admiral Ramson Godwin Mwaisaka (Left), congratulate each other during the donation of two high-speed patrol boats at Navy Pier, Mikadi Beach in Dar es Salaam on Friday, December 16, 2022. The donated boats, valued at $1.35 million, were provided by the U.S. Africa Command. The donation included boat repair and maintenance kits, towing vehicles, and a two-week training session on the use and maintenance of the crafts. Looking on is Senior Defense Official Colonel Gerald Mathis. (Photo by US Embassy Courtesy).  

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Raines (2^nd from Right) and Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) Naval Commander, Rear Admiral Ramson Godwin Mwaisaka (2^nd from Left), cut a ribbon during the donation of two high-speed patrol boats at Navy Pier, Mikadi Beach in Dar es Salaam on Friday, December 16, 2022. The donated boats, valued at $1.35 million, were provided by the U.S. Africa Command. The donation included boat repair and maintenance kits, towing vehicles, and a two-week training session on the use and maintenance of the crafts. (Photo by US Embassy Courtesy).