MOMBASA, Kenya, May 5- Kenya and US troops have completed a Joint Combined Exercise Training (JCET) Program at the Kenya Navy Fleet, Mombasa.
JCET program is an exchange training program between the United States Army and Kenya Navy through the Kenya United States Liaison Office (KUSLO).
The program involved officers and service members drawn from the United States Army Special Forces Operational Detachment and the Kenya Navy Special Operations Squadron (SOS).
Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brig Lawrence Gituma, presided over the closing ceremony of the event on April 30.
Officials said the objective of the training was geared towards enhancing the capability of the Kenya Navy Special Operations personnel in maritime combat and security operations ensuring competent naval special warfare personnel are in place for effective deployment.
The training was tailored to emphasize on proper tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to conduct maritime security patrols and interdiction operations effectively, efficiently and with precision.
According to the Department of Defence, the participants were trained in rifle marksmanship, tactical combat casualty care, ambush, raid and reconnaissance among other areas.
Brig Gituma said through the JCET program the SOS has been equipped with the necessary skills to combat terrorism conduct special tactical and amphibious operations as well as armed reconnaissance towards enhancing a secure and safe maritime environment.
“Kenya recognizes terrorism and piracy as real threats to national security. Combating these threats means protecting our littoral territory and sea-lanes of communication from these menaces and it calls for employment of intensive maritime patrols,” he said.
“Joint trainings such as this, avail us the avenue of achieving this through continuous training of personnel and by conducting maritime operations exercises during the practical phase of training,” said the Deputy Commander.
Want to send us a story? Contact Shahidi News Tel: +254115512797 (Mobile & WhatsApp)