The first class of Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville embarked trainees graduated February 20, 2009, following a three-week program during which the sailors, from west and central Africa, reviewed maritime procedures and techniques and improved their leadership skills.

"My [running mate] explains what he is doing, and that helps me to understand all the personal qualifications on the ship," said Togoese Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Mouzou Banadjuba. "I think this is a good program. When I follow him, we do the work together, and it helps answer any questions I may have."

In addition to providing the sailors with hands-on lessons, the program gave them the opportunity to build relationships and contacts from around the world.

The working relationships are an integral part to building partnerships and enhancing maritime strategy in west and central Africa, assistant embarked trainee
coordinator Lieutenant Will Phillips said.

"I think it's a really good way to build relationships at the fundamental level," said Phillips. "Normally, we see high-ranking officials or defense attachés building relationships at the strategic or operational level. Now you see one-on-one interaction between junior officers and enlisted as well."

The graduation of 15 west and central African sailors from the program concludes the first of five scheduled classes of its kind to be held aboard Nashville.

Nashville is currently deployed with Africa Partnership Station (APS), an international initiative developed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa, aiming to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.