To assist the Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville team in preparing for its upcoming port visit to Dakar, Senegal, two international staff members from the Senegalese Navy presented Sailors with a cultural awareness briefing aboard USS Nashville (LPD 13) February 2, 2009.

The Norfolk, Virginia-based amphibious landing transport dock ship is deployed as a part of APS, an international initiative developed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.

On the eve of APS Nashville's first African port visit to Dakar, Senegal, Senegalese naval officers Lieutenant Commander Omar Wade and Lieutenant Jean Pierre Tine covered topics relating to local culture, geography and social values, and factual information on the country.

Tine expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to talk with the crew about his home country.

"It was the best opportunity I've gotten so far," said Tine. "I was very entertained by the crew and the questions they asked."

With a coastline of more than 354 miles, Senegal--the westernmost point of the African mainland--is a fitting first stop for APS Nashville, Tine said.

"I think this is a great institute for all the African partners, including Senegal, and we're very happy to participate," said Tine. "We are very much looking forward to the training because we have been planning for a long time and hope for the best benefit."

During APS Nashville's visit to Dakar, topics on small boat maintenance, leadership, search and rescue (SAR), oil spill scenarios and force security will be covered. With the preparation Tine and Wade provided APS Nashville through their briefing, the crew and staff of APS Nashville are well equipped for their first stop in Senegal.

"I think they are ready to go to Dakar and have fun and discover another cultural difference," said Tine. "The culture is different, but we still live on the same planet, and we are all friendly and looking forward to working together for another millennium."