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NEWS | July 12, 2022

USCGC Mohawk arrives in Dakar, Senegal

By U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs

The Famous-class medium endurance cutter USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) arrived in Dakar, Senegal for a scheduled port visit, July 12, 2022.

During the visit, Mohawk leadership will meet with U.S. embassy leaders to continue building on the United States’ strong maritime partnership with Senegal, while the crew enjoys the rich culture of Dakar. 

“This visit offers us the opportunity to deepen our partnership with Senegal while reinforcing our commitment to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea,” said Cmdr. Andrew Pate, commanding officer aboard USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913). “The crew is looking forward to learning about the deep history and rich culture of Dakar.”

This port visit also marks the first stop in Africa for Mohawk during their maritime patrol in the Gulf of Guinea. Mohawk is forward-deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) area of operations, while employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet.

Senegal is an important partner of the United States in promoting peace and security in Africa. Earlier this month, leaders assigned to NAVAF attended the Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium-Africa (NILS-A), a multinational, Africa-focused forum designed to bring together partner nations with Marine forces and naval infantries. NILS-A was co-hosted by the Senegalese Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa.

The U.S. shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, because these waters are critical for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets.

Mohawk is the 13th and last of the Famous-class cutters. It is named for the Algonquin tribe of Iroquoian Indians who lived in the Mohawk Valley of New York. Mohawk is the third cutter to bear the name. Mohawk’s parent command is U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, oversees all Coast Guard operations east of the Rocky Mountains to the Arabian Gulf, spanning across five Coast Guard districts and 40 states.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. 

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.