A senior U.S. military officer has praised the professionalism and readiness of the Sierra Leone Navy during the closing ceremony of the Obangame Express 2025, a multinational maritime exercise held in the Gulf of Guinea region.
Lieutenant Klee, Exercise Moderator for the training, commended the Sierra Leone Navy for its performance during the 11-day training exercise, which concluded over the weekend at the Navy Canteen in Murray Town.
“The Sierra Leone Navy is ready, able, and capable of taking on responsibilities in any maritime challenge,” Lt. Klee said. He lauded the professionalism and determination displayed by Sierra Leonean naval personnel and their counterparts from other participating maritime sectors, stating, “Exercise is more than a practice,” and encouraged all trainees to remain steadfast in their duties.
In his welcoming remarks, the Chief of Staff of the Sierra Leone Navy, Captain (N) Lawrence K. Jabati, described the event as another historic milestone for the nation’s naval forces. “Each year, Sierra Leone, as a member of the Gulf of Guinea nations, proudly hosts the Obangame Express as part of the region’s annual maritime security initiative sponsored by the United States,” he noted.
Capt. Jabati emphasized that the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, information sharing, and coordination among African coastal states and international partners. “This regular regional engagement significantly contributes to improving the maritime knowledge and capabilities of our personnel, while also strengthening trust, collaboration, and cooperation across national maritime agencies,” he said.
On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Brigadier General SDT Ngaujah, Chief of General Staff, described the event as “a testament to what we can collectively achieve through collaboration and cooperation in tackling complex maritime security challenges.” He reaffirmed that the Gulf of Guinea nations, alongside international partners, are working together to improve maritime safety and security not only for individual coastal states but for the entire region and the global maritime domain.
“We appreciate the organizers and sponsors of this regional event, which significantly enhances the competence and effectiveness of our maritime forces,” Brig. Gen. Ngaujah added. He urged the participating agencies, especially the Navy, to continue building strong partnerships to keep Sierra Leone’s waters safe and secure.
Francis LangubaKeilie, Chief of Staff and professional head of the Office of National Security (ONS), expressed gratitude for the support his office continues to receive through the Obangame Express initiative. “We cannot work in isolation. We welcome the tremendous support from the U.S. and other partners,” he said, while passionately appealing for continued assistance in addressing challenges within Sierra Leone’s maritime domain.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner of Border Controls and Management at the National Revenue Authority, John B. Amara; who is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, highlighted the interconnected nature of maritime roles across agencies. “Helping us is helping you,” he remarked, thanking the Sierra Leone Navy for its leadership and urging international partners to sustain their support.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from representatives of other maritime agencies and was climaxed by the presentation of certificates to participants.
