The US government has handed over two Island-class guard vessels to Georgian Coast Guard.

The ceremony of the conveying of vessels was held on the coast guard base in Poti. The event was opened by the Prime Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze and the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Gakharia.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Government of Georgia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the US Embassy, the NATO Liaison Office, as well as representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia and defense attachés of different countries.

Georgian PM Mamuka Bakhtadze and Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia thanked the US government for its continued support for Georgia and stated that the boats will play important roles in Black Sea coast security.

The vessels were named as Ochamchire and Dioskuria. They are equipped with modern standards of navigation and communication systems.

These vessels will significantly enhance coastal operational capabilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, increase the country’s coastal security, while the Georgian side will be able to participate in international maritime missions and training programs of partner countries of the Black Sea basin.