Liberian Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Dickson Agbo

Liberian Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Dickson Agbo briefs fellow LCG sailors prior to a simulated vessel takedown aboard the French Navy frigate Latouche-Treville while U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer John Gurba, U.S. Embassy-Monrovia Office of Security Cooperation senior enlisted maritime advisor, looks on during joint anti-piracy training in Monrovia April 18. The training covered topics including non-compliant vessel board, search and seizure tactics, weapons familiarization, underwater navigation and hull sweeps for mines and smuggling compartments. U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard personnel from U.S. Embassy-Monrovia's Office of Security Cooperation were on hand to mentor and support LCG sailors throughout the partnered training. U.S. Embassy-Monrovia, in coordination with U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa and Operation ONWARD LIBERTY, partner with the Government of Liberia to enhance the operational capabilities of the LCG and the Armed Forces of Liberia. ONWARD LIBERTY is a U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa-led operation comprised of joint U.S. servicemembers who mentor and advise the AFL in order to develop a national military that is responsible, operationally capable, and respectful of civilian authority and the rule of law. OOL's goal is to assist the AFL in building a professional and capable military force that can effectively contribute to the overall security environment in Liberia.