Historic Memorandum of Understanding signed between Armed Forces of Malta and U.S. Coast Guard

Admiral Robert Papp signing the historic Search and Rescue Memorandum of Understanding  Full Size

On Saturday, July 11, U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Robert Papp, Commander Atlantic Area, and Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, Commander Armed Forces of Malta, signed an historic Search and Rescue Memorandum of Understanding (SAR MOU).  The document was signed at the AFM Maritime Squadron Headquarters at Hay Wharf, Floriana. The MOU “recognizes the benefits enjoyed from previous close cooperation with regard to search and rescue (SAR) operations and training, and further recognizes that additional benefits may be enjoyed from the cooperative arrangements detailed” in it.  The U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Jason Davis, attended the signing, and praised the AFM’s leadership in SAR.  He noted that in addition to the SAR MOU, Malta’s Rescue Coordination and Training Centers recently received over $160,000 in new equipment and Coast Guard training, funded by the United States European Command. The funding was used to modernize the AFM’s SAR capabilities with U.S. Coast Guard developed software called SAROPS.  “It is noteworthy that Malta is the first country outside of the United States to install SAROPS, and will soon use it as a part of their normal maritime operations.  This is testament to the long-standing recognition by the United States of Malta’s expertise and commitment to excellence in this humanitarian field.”    Mr. Davis also noted the importance of the SAR MOU as a document that “highlights the mutual benefit that our respective countries enjoy in matters concerning the safety of mariners at sea.”