A reception aboard U.S. Navy ship USS Elrod for participants of a training event with the Cape Verde Coast Guard became a real-world opportunity to assist the Cape Verdeans in extinguishing a fire September 8, 2008.

At the request of the commander of the Cape Verde Coast Guard, crew members sprang into action to assist firefighters in the port authority area across the harbor. Efforts were organized onboard and crew members and equipment were transported to the scene of the fire.

"Using the firefighting techniques and training practiced aboard Elrod, our Sailors were able to make a real difference and strengthen the relationship between the U.S. Navy and Cape Verde Coast Guard," said USS Elrod's Commanding Officer, Commander Todd Beltz.

As the two Elrod hose teams extinguished fires through doors and windows of the building, the host nation firefighters began manning extra hoses and fighting other areas of the fire.

"This was the first time I've ever been involved with a real fire and I was excited to get the opportunity to help. But the best feeling was knowing that we prevented anyone from getting hurt that night," said Damage Controlman Fireman Bryce Conklin.

The technical knowledge, quick reaction and steady efforts of the firefighters and sailors, who battled the blaze for more than five hours, prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings in the Port Authority area.

Major Montero, commander of the Cape Verde Coast Guard, expressed the country's sincere appreciation for the efforts and generosity of Elrod's Sailors in assisting the local firefighting efforts.

Elrod arrived in Mindelo, Cape Verde September 8, 2008 as part of its deployment in support of Africa Partnership Station. While in Mindelo, Elrod's schedule consists of community relations projects and engineering and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training for the Cape Verde Coast Guard.