Morocco’s Mohammed VI frigate participated in a series of military and diplomatic events marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
The Royal Moroccan Navy vessel first took part in Fleet Week Exercise 250 (FLEETEX 250), a multinational exercise organized by the US Navy from June 22 to June 28, according to the Moroccan Armed Forces.
Operating alongside warships from 26 countries, the frigate participated in exercises involving surface, air, and anti-submarine warfare, as well as maritime interdiction operations designed to strengthen interoperability and joint operational capabilities among participating navies.
On July 4, the Mohammed VI joined the International Naval Review on New York’s Hudson River. Two days later, the Royal Moroccan Navy hosted a reception aboard the frigate attended by US Ambassador to Morocco Duke Buchan III, Moroccan Ambassador to the United States Youssef Amrani, senior military officers, and civilian officials from both countries.
Rear Adm. El Mostafa Tarzi, commander of Morocco’s Southern Maritime Sector, said the Kingdom’s participation reflected “the long-standing friendship between Morocco and the United States, a relationship deeply rooted in history.”
Lors de la célébration du 250ème anniversaire de l’indépendance des États-Unis
He noted that Morocco became the first country to recognize American independence in 1777, laying the foundation for what he described as “an exceptional partnership based on mutual respect, shared values, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and international security.”
Tarzi added that cooperation between the Royal Moroccan Navy and the U.S. Navy has become “essential to preserving freedom of navigation, strengthening maritime security and promoting regional and global stability.”
Ambassador Duke Buchan III recalled that Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah opened Morocco’s ports to American ships in 1777, before the United States had even built its first frigate.
He described the decision as “a lifeline that allowed a young republic to find its place in the world,” adding that the Mohammed VI frigate’s presence in New York served as “a reminder of our shared history and our friendship.”
The ambassador said security cooperation between the two countries is “stronger today than ever,” noting that Morocco participates annually in more than 100 U.S.-led military exercises and activities.
He also reaffirmed the Trump administration’s support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as “the only basis for a just and lasting solution” to the Moroccan Sahara question.
For his part, Youssef Amrani said the Royal Moroccan Navy’s participation embodied “one of the oldest, strongest, and most enduring strategic partnerships in American history.”
“Our history is remarkable,” he said. “What makes it truly exceptional is not only where it came from, but where it is going.”
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of gifts, during which the commander of the Mohammed VI frigate presented U.S. Rear Adm. Bradley Andros with a painting depicting the Moroccan frigate anchored off New York’s skyline.
