US Navy Ship Docks at Kenyan Port

Text of report by Kenyan KTN TV on 6 July

[Presenter] A US navy ship has docked at the port of Mombasa [Coast Province] to strengthen maritime security in the country.

The war ship will boost counter terrorism efforts along the coastline and the east African region. While receiving the ship, US ambassador William Bellamy said the US navy and the Kenya navy personnel will conduct joint military exercises.

[Reporter Mwendwa Kiogora] The USS Gonzalez, a US navy warship, docked at the port of Mombasa with a crew of 23 officers and 300 sailors as part of efforts to boost maritime security in the east African region. US ambassador William Bellamy was at hand to receive the ship. Security was tight around the port with special patrol boats with mounted weapons keeping guard. Being a guarded missile destroyer it has an assortment of ammunition and powerful satellite communication. The maritime security operations are designed to complement the counter terrorism and security efforts of the country in order to deny international terrorists a chance to execute attacks.

[Capt USS Gonzalez James Sposaso] We, our primary mission out here, this class of ship is air warfare. We also accomplish other missions such as surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, navy surface fire support and maritime interdiction operations.

[Kiogora] And after months of confinement in these cubicles, the sailors were anxious to get out. Curio dealers and tour forms made booming business as the sailors mingled and relaxed in the town. Hotels, restaurant and other social services are expected to cash in on the boom. The USS Gonzalez is the first US naval vessel to resume calls at the Mombasa port since 1999. The visit will allow for joint military training for the US and the Kenya navy.