Rabat – The US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) has completed a port visit to Agadir today, reflecting Washington’s commitment to boosting defense cooperation with Morocco.
A statement from the US Embassy in Morocco said the visit began on October 11 to explore the “local community and experience Morocco’s rich cultural heritage during liberty ashore.”
The statement also quoted Kevin Taylor, commanding officer of Stout, who described Morocco’s leadership in regional maritime security as highly valuable for the visit.
“Our sailors were proud to represent the Navy while experiencing all the country has to offer,” Taylor said.
The statement also recalled the “strong relations” between the two countries and cited their efforts in regional peace and security while also reiterating Washington’s commitment to continuing the partnership on issues of common interest.
Describing Morocco as a valued regional ally for the US, the statement recalled the commitment of both countries and their longest-standing treaty in US history.
“Strengthening partnerships during the port visit builds enduring bonds and demonstrates a common commitment to ensuring maritime security and regional stability, which is shared across all regional allies and partners,” the statement said.
The naval vessel that conducted a visit to Morocco is capable of conducting anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface operations.
“Commissioned in 1994, Stout is named in honor of World War II Navy Cross recipient Rear Adm. Herald F. Stout, who commanded Fletcher-class destroyer USS Claxton (DD 571) during the Battle of Bougainville,” the press release added.
2026 Marrakech Airshow
The port visit comes as a high-level delegation from the US presented Washington’s security and defense approach during this year’s Marrakech Airshow, which also featured American technologies and defense companies.
During the airshow, global defense technology company Lockheed Martin announced the first test flight of the F-16 Block 72 destined for the Moroccan Air Force.
The company described the flight as an “important milestone in the flight-test program ahead of the first delivery.”
Mike Shoemaker, the vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, celebrated the successful test by describing the first flight as a “tangible step forward in Morocco’s F-16 Block 72 program.”
The same company, before the kickoff of the airshow, also organized an Industry Day, convening Morocco’s representatives to discuss defense cooperation.
Morocco is now shifting its policy from being a buyer to becoming a manufacturer.
Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudyi said during the Marrakech Airshow that Morocco is seeking to turn its foreign defense partnerships into the foundation of a domestic military industry.
The objective for Morocco is to move from a “model of importing defense capabilities to building national capacity and defense sovereignty.
