MALTA: 2008 END USE MONITORING REPORT

UNCLAS VALLETTA 000062


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR AFIN MT
SUBJECT: MALTA: 2008 END USE MONITORING REPORT

REF: STATE 127211



1. The two eighty-seven foot "Protector" class patrol boats
(P51 and P52) provided to the Armed Forces of Malta in
November 2002 and July 2004 continue to be the backbone of
the Maritime Squadron. To date, the boats have been kept in
top condition by well-trained crews and an extensive supply
of spare parts that came with the original FMS cases.


2. The primary roles of the patrol boats are Search and
Rescue (SAR),Migrant Interdiction Operations, Fisheries
Protection and Maritime Law Enforcement. By the Armed Forces
of Malta,s (AFM) own estimate, both craft have delivered
exceptional levels of reliability. In 2008, the two vessels
were underway for over 1900 hours for operations and
training. They have patrolled regularly at ranges in excess
of 150 nautical miles from the coast and for periods of 96
hours continuously underway, and have proven exceptionally
seaworthy in challenging weather conditions.


3. The "Protector" class boats have made noteworthy
contributions in addressing Malta,s challenge of irregular
migration at sea. Year-round, the patrol boats are used for
migrant search and rescue missions as well as for migrant
patrols in the waters between Malta and Libya. A notable
rescue occurred in December 2008 when P52 was tasked with
assisting a migrant craft reported in distress 45 miles south
of Malta. The operation resulted in the rescue of 139
persons, including infants and pregnant women, the largest
rescue by a craft of this class to date.


4. The high availability levels of the patrol boats is due in
part to the close relationship the AFM maintains with the
U.S. boat Manufacturer CHAND LLC, who have provided
responsive logistical support and affordable parts, allowing
most support maintenance to be done in-house, with more
extensive repair items completed by local service providers
in Malta.


BORDONARO