Latest Embassy News

USCGC Dallas Visits Equatorial Guinea

On July 8-11, at the invitation of the Government of Equatorial Guinea, the USCGC Dallas visited Malabo, the largest city of Bioko island and capital of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. The Dallas was present in Equatorial Guinean waters as part of the international Africa Partnership Station, one in a series of activities designed to promote maritime security and safety in west and central Africa.  Working with countries in the region bordering on the Gulf of Guinea, these maritime activities are conducted in cooperation with local authorities and focus on a range of challenges at sea that include: illegal fishing; theft of petroleum resources; piracy; illicit trade; narcotics trafficking; human smuggling and trafficking; illegal immigration; and environmental degradation.

During the visit of the Dallas, U.S. Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea Donald Johnson and commanding officer of the USCGC Dallas Captain Wagner, called on the Minister of Defense, the Deputy Minister of National Security and the Mayor of Malabo.  The ship staged an onboard reception for EG officials and local dignitaries in celebration of the U.S. independence.  Along with the naval elements of Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Defense, the Dallas conducted a series of maritime security and safety exercises, to include maritime law enforcement boarding, oil platform security and search and rescue training.  Officers of Dallas also organized media events on board the ship and held a friendship soccer match with the EG military team. (photo gallery)