From August 4 to 22, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS), in partnership with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the Mauritius Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Authority (RSNSA), conducted a comprehensive training program focused on the physical protection of radioactive sources and hazardous material (HAZMAT) response.
The multi-week initiative included a Physical Protection and Security Management of Radioactive Sources (PPSM) course from August 11 to 15, aimed at enhancing Mauritius’ capabilities to securely manage radiological materials. A primary goal of this training was to transition the PPSM course responsibilities to the RSNSA, strengthening local ownership and expertise.
Throughout the visit, U.S. teams engaged with multiple facilities equipped with ORS-supported physical protection systems and worked closely with RSNSA personnel to ensure robust security measures. Complementing the PPSM course, DTRA led hazardous material response training and a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) from August 4 to 22, focusing on operational and tactical level HAZMAT responders from key Mauritian agencies including the Fire and Rescue Service, Police Force, National Coast Guard, Port Authority, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre, and Customs. RSNSA played an integral role in supporting this program, which bolstered Mauritius’ preparedness to respond to radiological emergencies and enhanced regional counterproliferation efforts.
A Field Exercise Press Day was also held on Thursday, August 21, at the Port of Mauritius, providing local media with the opportunity to observe a live simulation exercise demonstrating the skills and protocols covered during the training program. The exercise scenario involved a simulated explosion at an abandoned warehouse near the port, followed by a coordinated response to a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident. The field exercise was designed to test and strengthen inter-agency coordination, operational readiness, and crisis response capabilities, underscoring the importance of preparedness in addressing complex security challenges.
This initiative aligns with broader U.S. strategic priorities in the region, supporting the Department of Defense’s mission to prevent, reduce, and eliminate Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats by building partner capacity and enhancing support for ally and partner forces operating in the region. It directly supports U.S. Embassy Port Louis mission goals and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives, enhancing freedom of movement amid regional geopolitical dynamics.
The training program concluded on August 22 with an official closing ceremony, where 30 Mauritian participants received certificates of completion. U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Craig A. Halbmaier delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation in radiological security and nonproliferation.
In his remarks, Deputy Chief of Mission Craig Halbmaier said, “The United States is a committed partner with the Government of Mauritius in minimizing the impact of hazardous materials incidents on people and property. This training is one example of the many collaborative efforts between our two governments to enhance safety and security. Together, we are working to protect the Mauritian people, support economic resilience, and address shared challenges through partnership and cooperation.”
This training builds on earlier collaboration between the U.S. government and Mauritius, including a visit by DTRA in April 2025, and reflects the strong partnership dedicated to enhancing security and preventing the proliferation of weapons in the region.
About the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS):
ORS works with government, law enforcement, and businesses around the world to protect radioactive sources used for medical, research, and commercial purposes.
About the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA):
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is a combat support agency whose goal is to reduce the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD). DTRA works to identify, develop, and field solutions to counter WMD and emerging threats.
About the Mauritius Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Authority (RSNSA):
The RSNSA is an independent government agency in Mauritius with three main goals: to regulate all sources and uses of radiation to protect people and the environment from harmful effects, to encourage a strong culture of radiation safety and nuclear security, and to support education, training, research, and development in this field. The RSNSA works under the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities.
