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USS Carr Hosts African Maritime Security Official

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081214-05
Release Date: 12/14/2008 10:14:00 PM

By Ensign Tim Boston, USS Carr Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The secretary general of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), visited USS Carr (FFG 52) Dec. 11 as part of his visit to Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence for the planning conference of exercise Trident Warrior 09.

Magnus Addico chairs MOWCA, an association of 25 states dedicated to providing a coordinating effort to address common maritime concerns. The organization, established in 1975, aims to integrate maritime and port policies of member states with regard to safety, security and marine environmental protection.

Trident Warrior 09 is part of a series developed by the Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC) to enhance the Navy's warfighting capability. It also promotes Navy cooperation with African leaders and organizations as part of the Maritime Strategy.

Addico received a tour of Carr and had lunch in the wardroom with three Sailors born in Africa. Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class (SW) Oliver Wureh of Liberia, Storekeeper 2nd Class (SW) Tunde Oboh of Nigeria, and Operations Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Hilaire Kouamo of Cameroon met with Addico and discussed myriad topics.

"Mr. Addico and I discussed the problems in the region that MOWCA is combating, namely fighting piracy, illegal fishing, and drug trafficking," said Oboh.

In February 2007, the United States established U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) to promote peace and stability by creating unique relationships with African partners. In 2005, Carr deployed to Africa and the Gulf of Guinea to help improve African allies' ability to enforce safety, security and environmental standards.

Carr, commanded by Cmdr. Mark Metzger, is an Oliver Hazard-Perry Class Frigate, homeported in Norfolk, Va., under the operational control of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 2.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c2f/.