General William E. Ward, commander of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) February 21 to meet members of Africa Partnership Station (APS).



The APS mission is to enhance regional and maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa. APS includes Sailors from Africa, Europe and the United States who are working towards a common goal; achieving maritime security and safety through training and education.



During his visit, General Ward met with members of the local Cameroonian media to answer questions about his opinion on the international Africa Partnership Station initiative.



"APS is a great example that shows when people from different backgrounds come together and work towards a common goal, they can accomplish anything," Ward said. "When we come together like this we learn from each other and better ourselves."



Ward also witnessed a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise, one event that is a staple of the international training taking place aboard APS.



"With crew, trainers and participants from African nations, as well as our International partners, we are working to build partnerships and share experiences with each other," Ward said.



Before departing the ship, Ward participated in an award ceremony and pinned various awards on Fort McHenry crewmembers.



Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships.