Two Equatorial Guinea Navy officers recently joined with U.S. coast guard members on the cutter Dallas for a monthlong familiarization with maritime techniques and procedures off the coast of West Africa.

During their time aboard the Dallas from June 6 to July 7, 2008, Lieutenant Placido Ndong and Lieutenant Pablo Nikisogo trained side by side with the U.S. coast guard crew, where they practiced maritime law-enforcement tactical team movements, small boat operations, and damage control and fire training.

"We are a young navy, and I believe that the training we've received while aboard Dallas will better prepare us for various situations while encountering illegal activities at sea," said Ndong. "We will definitely bring this knowledge back to our members and help train them to know how to better control our zone of responsibility."

Additionally, the officers had the opportunity to take a firsthand look at fishing and commercial vessels transiting the Equatorial Guinea Exclusive Economic Zone, during a demonstration of the ship's over-the-horizon patrol capabilities.

"Training with the Cape Verdean and American Coast Guard members was well organized and intense," said Nkisogo. "We enjoyed seeing the way the U.S. Coast Guard functions with great order and discipline, and we will take the 'shipmate' concept back with us and train our members. This was a valuable experience, and next time we hope to bring more of our members for the training."

The 278-foot cutter Dallas is currently deployed off the coast of West and Central Africa in support of U.S. Naval Forces Europe's Africa Partnership Station (APS) initiative. The ship was scheduled to arrive in Equatorial Guinea July 8 for a three-day visit.

"One of the primary objectives of APS is to foster partnerships among the various navies and coast guards within West and Central Africa. Having Lieutenants Ndong and Nkisogo aboard Dallas for the last month was a tremendous opportunity to share common experiences and learn from one another," said Captain Robert Wagner, commanding officer of Dallas.