U.S. sharing technology with Africa

[unhappycamper]

U.S. sharing technology with Africa
By Lisa M. Novak, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sao Tome and Principe is the first African nation to begin receiving surveillance technology from the U.S. Navy under a plan to share maritime intelligence with West African nations in the Gulf of Guinea region.

The country began receiving information from the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability surface surveillance program last month. The system uses ground-based radars and sensors to give users a clearer picture of their oceans and coastal areas.

It allows local navies and coast guards to tap into the Maritime Safety and Security Information Systems. This system, used to track ships all across the world, consists of a series of computer servers that receive continuous information about all ships in almost every geographic region.

Sharing the technology enables West African countries to maintain safety and security in the region, according to the Navy.

“Safer waters benefit everyone that transits through the region,” said Navy Lt. Brian Badura, spokesman for Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52771



uhc comment: Africom is off to a 'good' start.