Santo Domingo- United States Ambassador, James Brewster officially donated the 37’ Boston Whaler Interceptor Patrol Boat valued at approximately $250,000 during a ceremony held on Friday September 5that the Dominican Navy base “27 de Febrero” The event was also attended by Vice Minister of Defense Dominici and Navy Chief Pimentel who thanked the U.S. for the donation, highlighting the capacities the Patrol Boat brings to the Dominican Navy. The boat was donated as part of a bilateral agreement that provides equipment and infrastructure assistance to the Dominican Military and in particular to support efforts in countering Transnational Organized Crime and drug trafficking.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Brewster stated “The assets and infrastructure provided by and enhanced through programs – such as the one that has brought this boat here today – represent a tangible and shared commitment between our two nations to work cooperatively and tirelessly to promote regional security and stability.” The Ambassador also noted that the cooperation between the two nations extends far beyond the delivery of a patrol craft, and is perhaps best exemplified by the close relationships and interagency cooperation that exists between the Dominican Navy, DNCD, the U.S. Coast Guard District Seven, the Joint Interagency Task Force South, and United States Southern Command.
The 37’ Boston Whaler is the tenth boat of a planned twelve donated under the program. The Patrol Boat will act as a maritime interdiction asset and will enhance the Dominican Navy’s capability to support joint and interagency efforts to combat drug trafficking. The nine previous boats are deployed in diverse locations such as Cabo Rojo, Barahona, Las Calderas, and Punta Cana – amongst others across the nation.
