Maritime Liaison Unit (MARLU) Established

New department stands up to enhance cooperation and the exchange of information between the U.S. Navy, its regional security partners and the commercial shipping community throughout Europe and Africa.

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet (NAVEUR-NAVAF/C6F) established the Maritime Liaison Unit (MARLU) at NSA Capodichino, Italy, March 26.

MARLU, headed by Cmdr. David Flowers, at the NAVEUR-NAVAF headquarters, stands ready to make a large impact on maritime safety and security issues throughout the area of responsibility (AOR).

"At the maritime security conference held in Sorrento two weeks ago, every presentation had the same recommendation for improving maritime security in the AOR," said Flowers. "That recommendation is 'fostering better communications between regional navies and the commercial shipping industry.'"

Partnering with nations is nothing new to staff members at NAVEUR-NAVAF/C6F, especially addressing maritime safety and security for the 105 countries in the AOR.

"The key is to facilitate a two-way flow of information," added Flowers. "This information exchange is already taking place on the staff but it is ad hoc and not unified. We hope to make this easy."

According to Flowers, MARLU will serve as the NAVEUR-NAVAF liaison to the commercial maritime industry by enhancing cooperation and the exchange of information between the U.S. Navy, its regional security partners and the commercial shipping community throughout Europe and Africa.

Through direct representation, a command sponsored Web site and quarterly newsletter, MARLU will provide information about the U.S. Navy and regional security partner initiatives, programs, and operations to increase awareness within the commercial shipping industry.

"It's not going to be easy, but we want to facilitate these types of relationships to enhance port calls, U.S. Navy interaction with merchant shipping and to leverage established relationship in the event of a crisis," said Flowers.

The unit is modeled after both the Maritime Liaison Office in Bahrain that has been in operation for more than 20 years and the MARLU in Miami that opened its doors in 2007.

MARLU duties also include learning about the commercial industry's perspective on the challenges and threats facing maritime commerce in Europe and Africa.

"The concept builds on the fact that we're all working in the same maritime environment and by facilitating a rapport, the U.S. Navy can be a better partner with civil maritime organizations that operate in Europe and Africa." said Flowers. "We all have to work together safely and securely in the maritime environment."

Written by: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Rosa Larson

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.