Tunisia Receives Two Island-Class Patrol Boats from the United States During USS Mount Whitney Visit
The United States of America has transferred two Island-class patrol boats to Tunisia, which it considers one of its key non-NATO allies, under its Excess Defense Articles program. The handover ceremony was held on the same day as the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), a Blue Ridge-class command and control ship of the U.S. 6th Fleet, paid a port visit to La Goulette — home to the North African nation’s main naval base — to mark the 220th anniversary of the maritime partnership between the two countries.
Tunisian officials held a reception to honor the arrival of patrol boats and the port visit of the USS Mount Whitney. The event was attended by high-level military and political officials, including Tunisian Defense Minister Khaled Shili, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood, and U.S. 6th Fleet Commander Vice Admiral J.T. Anderson. It served as a platform to celebrate bilateral cooperation and discuss shared goals in maritime security, regional defense, and future engagements.
Speaking at the event, U.S. Ambassador Joey Hood said:
“The USS Mount Whitney’s visit is especially meaningful because it falls during the 220th anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Derna, when, through the support and cooperation of Tunisia, the U.S. military defeated maritime terrorism to make a more stable and secure region for commerce and economic development.”
Following the ceremony, the two Island-class patrol boats were renamed Tazarka (P305) and Menzel Bourguiba (P306) and officially joined the Tunisian naval forces. The Tunisian defense ministry said in a statement that these patrol boats will contribute to the protection of maritime borders, where various risks and threats such as smuggling, organized crime, irregular migration, and terrorism loom.
The Island-class patrol boats of the U.S. Coast Guard, which are approximately 35-40 years old, have a total length of 34 meters, a beam of 6.4 meters, and a full load draft of 2.2 meters. Powered by two Paxman Valenta or Caterpillar diesel engines, these vessels can reach up to 29 knots and have an operational range of approximately 2,900 nautical miles. Each vessel houses a crew of 16 and can endure up to five days at sea without resupply. Its defense is provided by two twin M2HB 12.7mm heavy machine guns and a Mk38 25mm chain gun.
To support its foreign policy objectives, the United States has transferred Island-class patrol boats not only to Tunisia but also to Georgia, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Ukraine, and Greece under the Excess Defense Articles program. In May 2023, the United States Government pledged to provide at least two Island-class patrol boats to the Philippines. However, this transfer has not yet materialized.