U.S. Coast Guard crew members helped repaint an elementary school in Mindelo, Cape Verde, on June 6, 2008. The project was one of a series of activities scheduled in the area, as part of the U.S. Navy's Africa Partnership Station, whose mission is to enhance maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.

The Padre Cristiano Rodriguez primary school was in need of a fresh coat of paint, and approximately 60 crew members volunteered to do the job. The crew used some of the ship's supplies along with paint provided by the school and finished the task in about three hours.

"We love helping in the local community," said crew member Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Parrish. "It was a great way to kick off our deployment and bring a smile to the faces of the Mindelo children."

About 220 children from 6 to 12 years old attend the school, along with eight teachers, a cook and a caretaker.

"I am very happy that the United States Coast Guard helped the students of this poor community," said Delegate of the Ministry of Education for San Vincente, Cape Verde, Maria Paula Brito. "It means a lot to the students and teachers to have a clean, bright place to come to everyday."

Other activities scheduled during Dallas' deployment include search and rescue, port security, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training, as well as small boat handling and maintenance.