U.S. Provides E.S. with Naval Support to Fight Drug Trafficking

      At the beginning of this week the United States made a donation to El Salvador's naval forces of seven patrol boats. A representative of the U.S. government explains that this donation was made in order to strengthen the Salvadoran security by matching the capabilities of most naval forces in the region. At the Naval Force installations Defense Minister Jose Atilio Benitez states: "This donation valued at more than five million dollars represents a significant step in the cooperation we have to strengthen the security of El Salvador" (El Mundo). This donation is part of the cooperation between the United States and El Salvador  that falls under the Central American Regional Security Initiative (Carsi) and the Southern Command of Enduring Friendship. Previously under Carsi, the United States ambassador has given an Aponte bomb disposal team to the Salvadoran National Civil Police, and x-ray equipment to the Salvadoran prison system.

      Of the seven vessels, two are "patrol boats attack Justify class Boston Whaler 37-foot length, a Boston Whaler patrol boat type attack guardian of 22 feet in length and four patrol Safe Boat attack, defend class of 44 feet in length." In addition to these seven patrol boats, the soldiers in charge will receive proper training from U.S. personnel to ensure the vessels are used properly. These new boats will increase the navy's speed on water and allow for better performances.

       Although the main purpose of these patrol boats is to help decrease drug trafficking through El Salvador, the boats and their updated technology can also benefit the country in national emergencies like the E-12 storm when rescue teams needed speed and communications to be able to perform rescues and deliver supplies.