U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Legare (WMEC 912) and the Moroccan Royal Navy (MRN) vessel Rais Charkaoui (OPV 320) concluded a nine-day, joint maritime law enforcement operation in Casablanca, July 27, 2009.

During this first U.S.-Moroccan law enforcement mission, several Legare boarding team members embarked on the Rais Charkaoui, sharing law enforcement techniques and vessel boarding procedures. Vessel boarding exercises were conducted on both Legare and Rais Charkaoui.

The operation concluded with the boarding of a Moroccan fishing vessel by a team of Moroccan Royal Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Sailors.

"It was an honor to sail alongside our Moroccan Royal Navy partners," said U.S. Coast Guard Commander Scott Bauby, commanding officer of Legare.

During the visit, the Legare hosted meetings with MRN officers. Maritime missions, joint operations, law enforcement procedures and boarding team member exchanges were also discussed.

Morocco is the second African nation to conduct a joint law enforcement patrol with a U.S. military ship. U.S. 6th Fleet ships conducted the first-ever joint law enforcement patrol with Cape Verde in 2008.