The Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville team, consisting of the crew of USS Nashville (LPD 13), a staff of embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60 and international sailors, and various supporting maritime professionals, departed Naval Station Rota, Spain on January 28, 2009 en route to the mission's first African port stop in Dakar, Senegal.



APS is an international initiative developed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa that aims to enhance maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.



For the APS team, the trip to Senegal comes after a 10-day transit across the Atlantic and a five-day port visit in Rota. Those few weeks together have been productive, said Captain Cindy Thebaud, Africa Partnership Station Nashville commander and commodore of DESRON 60.



"Our time at sea and in Rota has helped our multinational staff become a true team," said Thebaud. "We are moving forward with a singular effort to enhance existing friendships and build new partnerships while engaging in a number of maritime safety and security areas with our Senegalese Navy partners."



While in Senegal, the APS mission will conduct seminars, workshops and hands-on training with their Senegalese counterparts, including sessions on port security planning, small boat maintenance, medical training and oceanographic methods. All of the activities are based on specific requests from Senegalese officials, Thebaud said.



Senegal Navy Lieutenant Commander Omar Wade said his nation's navy is looking forward to working with APS Nashville Sailors.



"We see APS as a promising U.S. Navy-led initiative that, along with our international partners, will create the foundation for future regional cooperation in meeting our common maritime concerns," said Wade, part of APS Nashville's embarked international staff.



Nashville Commanding Officer Captain Tushar R. Tembe believes his crew is prepared for the mission ahead.



"The ship and our Sailors are fully engaged and excited to arrive in Senegal," said Tembe. "Based on visits from senior Navy leadership, we are very aware of the importance of our mission and stand ready to work side-by-side with the APS staff."

While in Rota, crew members of Nashville had the opportunity to replenish needed supplies, and also to embark additional staff members, including a group of Seabees, a group of Spanish marines and members of the Naples Navy Band.



Along with their work in Senegal, the APS Nashville team will make port calls in four other West African countries -- Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon. APS training will include professional exchanges on a variety of topics, including seamanship, environmental stewardship, fisheries management and maritime awareness, along with numerous humanitarian and civic outreach opportunities.



To learn more about Africa Partnership Station and its mission, please visit the APS website at www.c6f.navy.mil/aps_web/index.htm.