Mr. Kekelidze, Head of the MIA Border Police of Georgia hosted US Ambassador Kelly C. Degnan with the US Delegation at the Poti Base of the MIA Border Police Coast Guard Department.
While in Poti, the US Ambassador met with the Director of the Coast Guard Department, CAPT Ramaz Papidze and was briefed about the capabilities and objectives of the Georgian Coast Guard. Head of the Operative Service, CDR Nino Kalandarishvili held an operative meeting at the Command Centre.
Kelly Degnan personally met with the tactical team involved in the Operation Capability Concept Evaluation and Feedback program (OCC) and got familiarized with their equipment. The US Delegation also went aboard the Coast Guard patrol boat “Ochamchire” that US had handed over to the Georgian side. The Captain briefed the visitors on the operational capabilities and technical features of the vessel.
The US Embassy has been implementing a number of important projects to strengthen the Georgian Coast Guard Fleet and Infrastructure, as well as to develop its shipbuilding capabilities.