US Strengthens Tunisia’s Maritime Security with Donation of Retired Cutters
US Strengthens Tunisia’s Maritime Security with Donation of Retired Cutters
US Donates Decommissioned Cutters to Tunisia to Enhance Maritime Security and Regional Stability
The U.S. government continues its commitment to strengthening Tunisia's security forces as part of broader efforts to address the growing security challenges and escalating migrant crisis in Northern Africa. On April 17, U.S. officials in Tunisia attended the commissioning of two retired U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutters, underscoring the continued partnership between the two nations.
The two Island Class patrol boats, Tazarga and Menzel Bourguiba, were formerly part of the U.S. Coast Guard fleet before being decommissioned. These vessels, which were originally built between 1985 and 1992, are now set to bolster Tunisia’s maritime security capabilities, particularly in combating human trafficking, smuggling, organized crime, illegal immigration, and terrorism.
The commissioning ceremony took place at the naval base in La Goulette, marking the official integration of the 34-meter cutters into the Tunisian Navy. The vessels are part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Island class, a fleet of 49 boats used for a variety of missions, including search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, and military operations. Now replaced by Sentinel-class patrol boats in U.S. service, many Island-class vessels continue to serve in foreign coast guards and navies worldwide, with Tunisia joining a growing list of recipients including Pakistan, Ukraine, and Greece.
Equipped with twin diesel engines that enable speeds of up to 30 knots and capable of covering over 3,000 nautical miles, the two vessels are well-suited to patrol Tunisia’s extensive coastline. They are armed with a 25mm Mk 38 machine gun and two .50 caliber machine guns, and are outfitted with advanced radar and navigation systems, ensuring they are prepared for a wide range of security tasks.
This donation is part of a broader U.S. effort to support Tunisia’s military. In recent months, the U.S. has also provided the Tunisian Air Force with four Textron C-208EX aircraft and six C-130 military aircraft to enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, since 2011, the U.S. has invested over $1 billion in security cooperation with Tunisia, reinforcing the long-standing relationship between the two nations.
The commissioning of the Tazarga and Menzel Bourguiba coincided with the scheduled visit of the USS Mount Whitney, a Blue Ridge-class command and control ship, to Tunisia as part of the U.S. commitment to regional stability. The visit is especially significant, coinciding with the 220th anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Derna, in which Tunisia played a crucial role in supporting the U.S. military’s efforts to combat maritime terrorism and establish a secure environment for trade and economic growth.
As part of the U.S. 6th Fleet operations in Europe and Africa, the Mount Whitney continues to support U.S. national security interests, contributing to the stability and security of both continents.