Moroccan and US Navies Conclude Joint Exercise at Port of Casablanca
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The Royal Navy and the United States Navy carried out a joint naval exercise from August 17 to 31 at the Port of Casablanca, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) announced on Monday.
According to a statement posted on X, the FAR said the exercise aimed to enhance cooperation and operational readiness, focusing on hydrographic surveying and technical studies related to port facilities.
Over the two-week period, Moroccan and American crews conducted operations at sea to map the waters around Casablanca using advanced hydrographic equipment. Divers from both sides inspected underwater sections of port facilities to test security systems, while onshore, sailors attended specialized workshops to strengthen technical expertise and coordination.
The exercise concluded with a joint evaluation session, enabling both navies to assess results and exchange operational know-how. The FAR highlighted that naval cooperation between Morocco and the United States has steadily expanded in recent years, reflecting a shared commitment to maritime security.
Looking ahead, Morocco is set to participate in the 66th edition of UNITAS — the world’s oldest multinational maritime exercise — scheduled to take place from September 15 to October 6 across Florida, Virginia, and North Carolina. The event will bring together 25 allied and partner nations, including the US, France, Italy, and Spain, with nearly 8,000 personnel, dozens of ships, submarines, and aircraft.
For Morocco, UNITAS 2025 represents a significant opportunity to modernize its naval capabilities, enhance interoperability with international partners, and engage in advanced training scenarios ranging from amphibious operations and live-fire drills to cyber defense and maritime rescue. The participation also underscores Morocco’s growing role as a reliable partner in regional and global maritime security.
