RFA Fort Austin, Seychelles Coast Guard complete counter-piracy training exercise

Marines from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Austin, together with the Seychelles Coast Guard, have successfully completed training exercises in support of a multi-national counter-piracy effort.

During the five-day port visit, RFA Fort Austin’s marines from 42 Commando completed boarding and security training with the Coast Guard team.

Seychelles Coast Guard Team officer in command second lieutenant Loizeau said: "This was a real highlight for us, to meet them and gain an appreciation of British tactics, from Royal Marine Commandos as well as to tour the ship which was very impressive."

The 23,000t fast dry stores vessel has been offering direct support to Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) and UK vessels in Seychelles, in addition to front line patrol duties since being deployed in the Gulf last year.

Operated by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the CTF-150 performs maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean to put off terrorism and support peace and security.

CMF is a multinational naval partnership of 30 nations, which mainly targets to promote security, stability and prosperity across about 2.5 million square miles of international waters, which include some of the world’s most vital shipping paths.

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Image: Royal Marines and Seychelles Coast Guard forces during training. Photo: courtesy of Royal Navy.