United States and Tanzania Mark Milestone in Maritime Security Cooperation with Boat Facility Handover

On Friday 6, February 2026, the United States and Tanzania celebrated a significant milestone in their enduring partnership with the official handover of a U.S.-funded maritime facility to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. The new facility, delivered to the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Navy, is more than an infrastructure project—it is a testament to the long-term cooperation between the United States and Tanzania. By supporting Tanzania’s capacity to secure its own maritime domain, the United States helps foster strength, safety, and prosperity for both countries.

Chargé d’Affaires Andrew Lentz of U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam remarked, “This facility represents our shared vision for a secure and prosperous future. By investing in Tanzania’s maritime capabilities, we are strengthening the bonds of trust and cooperation that make both our nations safer and more prosperous.”

The facility will enhance the TPDF Navy’s ability to sustain and maintain its vessels, supporting operational readiness, professionalism, and self-reliance—core tenets of the U.S. National Defense Strategy. This investment demonstrates U.S. confidence in the leadership and technical capacity of the TPDF and highlights the importance of strong, capable partners for regional security.

Maritime security is vital to the safety and economic well-being of both nations. The new facility will strengthen coastal and port security along Tanzania’s northern coastline, support counter–illicit trafficking and maritime law enforcement and contribute to greater maritime domain awareness in the Western Indian Ocean.

The timing of this handover coincides with Cutlass Express 2026, a joint military training exercise ongoing in Tanga and across the Western Indian Ocean region, highlighting Tanzania’s role as a key regional maritime security partner.

By U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam