UK Royal Marines Major Smith Deployed to Regional Maritime Coordination Centre
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The United Kingdom’s contribution to western Indian Ocean security has been bolstered with the deployment of a Royal Marines officer to the Regional Coordination and Operations Centre (RCOC). Major Simon Smith of the Royal Marines has been appointed as the UK’s International Liaison Officer to the RCOC, with a mandate to enhance intelligence sharing and cooperation between the UK and the Seychelles-based regional maritime centre.
Construction of the RCOC was funded by the British government as part of the regional response to piracy, but its role has since evolved to cover all aspects of maritime security, including counter-narcotics, environmental protection, and combatting illegal fishing. Major Smith’s deployment forms part of the UK’s commitment to maritime security in the waters around Seychelles and the wider region.
Major Smith brings extensive operational and strategic experience acquired during more than a decade of service with the UK Royal Marines, including deployments to Afghanistan and the Caribbean, and recognition with the United States Bronze Star. British High Commissioner Jeff Glekin welcomed Major Smith’s arrival as central to further strengthening ties with both the RCOC and the Seychelles Defence Forces.
