DILI, TIMOR LESTE - Sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) trained on port security operations with the Timorese Maritime Police in the Port of Dili June 22.

The two-day course focused on port patrolling, ship escorting, communicating with inbound ships and maneuvering non-compliant vessels away from the pier.

“The training is good for our country’s future,” said Nelson Sousa Soares, a member of the Dili Maritime Police. “As our country grows, the port will become busier, we must have the ability to take control and execute the proper procedures.”

As the largest port in Timor Leste, and located close to Dili’s business and government center, it provides the interface between sea and road transport. The island nation and its 150,000 inhabitants rely on the Port of Dili for more than 200,000 tons of imported goods a year.

“We want to familiarize them with our security measures whether its maritime security or port security,” said Senior Chief Boatswain Mate(SW/EXW/AW) Daniel Avila, lead instructor. “This will help them aid in the security of ships, not only Navy, but for local imports and cargo ships.”

The Peleliu ARG and embarked Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are participating in Exercise Crocodilo, a multilateral exercise that promotes partnership through civil programs and training with the Timor-Leste and Australian militaries.

Other elements of the PEL ARG include Commander, Amphibious Squadron 3, the command element; Fleet Surgical Team 1; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Detachment 5; Assault Craft Unit 1, Detachment F; Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment B and Beachmaster Unit 1, Detachment D.

The PEL ARG is transiting the 7th Fleet Area of Operation and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.