FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE – The United Kingdom’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel, RFA Lyme Bay, docked in Freetown today as part of a regional Defence Engagement tour, marking a significant step in enhancing maritime security across West Africa.
This visit is part of a Defence Engagement tour that includes stops in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, aimed at bolstering regional partnerships in maritime defense.
“This visit underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the UK and Sierra Leone,” said British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Josephine Gauld. “It will help strengthen our collective efforts to maintain regional stability.”
The tour aligns with the recently established UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership and is organized in collaboration with the British High Commission and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Defence.
During the two-day visit, UK personnel, including members of the 42 Commando Royal Marines, will engage in a series of joint activities with Sierra Leonean counterparts to exchange knowledge and build security capabilities.
The RFA Lyme Bay’s arrival also marks the launch of a broader UK-led defense initiative that will run from 2024 to 2029, with a focus on combatting regional security threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and the rise of violent extremist organizations.
British and Sierra Leonean defense teams will work together to improve operational capabilities and coordination, with a focus on best practices for protecting regional waters.
The RFA Lyme Bay last deployed to Sierra Leone in 2014, during the Ebola crisis, providing critical aviation and medical support to the Department for International Development-led response effort.
