US patrol boats to help fight illegal trafficking

TIRANA, Sep. 4 – The United States gave to Albania three coast guard patrol boats to help in its fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal trafficking.
Albania’s defense ministry said the first three vessels have already been handed over, while two more will arrive next year.
The ministry also said the US Coast Guard has trained Albanian crews to use the craft, which are worth a total $5.3 million.
Charge D’ Affaires Deborah Jones, Minister of Defense Arben Imami, and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral Cela, participated in a dedication ceremony marking the donation by the U.S. Government of three 42″ Fast Response Arch Angel Boats.
The boats, valued at USD 960K/per boat, arrived in August and representatives are currently working with Albania on training and maintenance activities prior to their deployment to Albanian Coast Guard sites.
The project continues Albania’s NATO integration program, significantly increasing the Albanian Navy/Coast Guard capability to conduct maritime operations in the fight against terrorism, and illicit trafficking of arms, humans and narcotics as well as more traditional coast guard activities of search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, and maritime regulation enforcement.
This project represents another excellent example of the cooperation that exists between the United States and the Republic of Albania.
Former Communist Albania joined NATO last year, and the U.S. has been a main backer of efforts to reform the small Balkan country’s military.