Since February 21, 2009 Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville sailors have been working alongside Ghanaian sailors to refurbish a wing of the Effia Nkwanta Hospital, for a community relations project which will continue through USS Nashville's (LPD 13) 18-day port visit.

More than 30 Sailors have taken part in the project so far, involving an extensive cleaning and clearing of the building and a reconstruction of the hospital wing.

"When I first walked in, it looked like the building had been abandoned for quite a long time," said Petty Officer 1st Class William Herin. "We only had to barely touch the walls for the paint to fall off."

Before the newly-refurbished hospital wing was completed, the walls were re-painted, the floor re-tiled and new windows were put in.

Petty Officer 1st Class Michael McFarland said, "When you are out working, rebuilding something, it gives you a sense of accomplishment that you have done something good," he said. "Friendships are being made, and more importantly, we are creating a trust bond within the ranks of two nations that can be really important on future missions."

Ghanaian Leading Seaman Kofi Haizel added, "It's good to be helping this part of town because they need the help," said Ghanaian Leading Seaman Kofi Haizel. "They will put the new building to good use."

Nashville is currently deployed with Africa Partnership Station, an international initiative developed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with international partners to improve maritime safety and security in Africa. Nashville is focused on supporting the APS strategy in West and Central Africa.