Global maritime safety, security need improvement – US Vessel Commander

Commander Leonard Milliken, Commanding Officer of USS Simpson (FFG-56), a United States Naval Vessel, has stressed the need to strengthen global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities, in order to improve maritime safety and security.

Speaking to newsmen during a familiarization tour aboard the vessel on Monday, Cdr Milliken said they were in Ghana to participate in the Africa Partnership Station (APS) programme, an international security co-operation initiative, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships, to improve maritime safety and security on the continent.

He said more than 40 maritime professionals from the Ghana Navy, as well as 10 ship riders from partner nations, including Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo and Togo, are beneficiaries  of the training programme.

The Commanding Officer said the course participants are being taken through topics in basic first aid and basic damage control.

Cdr Milliken intimated that the vessel, which arrived at the Tema Harbour on Saturday, February 18, leaves Tema on Tuesday.

Source: GNA