The US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) has completed a port visit to Agadir, Morocco, reflecting Washington's commitment to strengthening defense cooperation with Morocco. The visit, which began on October 11, 2026, allowed the crew to experience Morocco's rich cultural heritage during their stay ashore. This port visit demonstrates the strong relations between the US and Morocco, which have a long-standing treaty and a valued regional alliance.
The USS Stout's visit was aimed at exploring the local community and experiencing Morocco's cultural heritage, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Morocco. Kevin Taylor, commanding officer of Stout, highlighted Morocco's leadership in regional maritime security as highly valuable for the visit. The statement also emphasized the US commitment to continuing the partnership with Morocco on issues of common interest, including regional peace and security.
The USS Stout is capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface operations. Commissioned in 1994, the vessel is named in honor of World War II Navy Cross recipient Rear Adm. Herald F. Stout. The destroyer's visit to Morocco is part of a broader effort to strengthen partnerships and demonstrate a common commitment to ensuring maritime security and regional stability.
The port visit coincides with a high-level US delegation's participation in the 2026 Marrakech Airshow, where Washington's security and defense approach was presented. The airshow featured American technologies and defense companies, including Lockheed Martin, which announced the first test flight of the F-16 Block 72 destined for the Moroccan Air Force. This milestone marks an important step forward in Morocco's F-16 Block 72 program.
Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager, Mike Shoemaker, celebrated the successful test flight as a tangible step forward in Morocco's F-16 Block 72 program. The company also organized an Industry Day, convening Morocco's representatives to discuss defense cooperation. This event reflects the growing partnership between the US and Morocco in the defense sector.
Morocco is shifting its policy from being a buyer to becoming a manufacturer, according to Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudyi. The objective is to move from a model of importing defense capabilities to building national capacity and defense sovereignty. This shift is expected to strengthen Morocco's defense industry and enhance its cooperation with international partners.
The US and Morocco have a long-standing treaty and a valued regional alliance, with a commitment to regional peace and security. The USS Stout's port visit and the Marrakech Airshow demonstrate the strong relations between the two countries and their shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability. The visit has built enduring bonds and reinforced the partnership between the US and Morocco.
Key points
- The US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) completed a port visit to Agadir, Morocco, aimed at boosting defense cooperation and exploring the local community.
- The visit coincided with a high-level US delegation's participation in the 2026 Marrakech Airshow, where Washington's security and defense approach was presented.
- Morocco is shifting its policy from being a buyer to becoming a manufacturer, with the objective of building national capacity and defense sovereignty.
