Seven weeks into their deployment in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS), the APS Nashville team took a break from their mission to celebrate Ghanaian Independence Day, March 6, 2009.

The day marked the country's 52nd year of independence, and the USS Nashville (LPD 13) crew, along with the embarked staff of Destroyer Squadron 60 and international maritime professionals, celebrated the occasion with a number of events in the Sekondi-Takoradi area.

"I was grateful I had the opportunity to take part in Ghana's celebration," said Africa Partnership Station Nashville Commander Captain Cindy Thebaud. "I was looking forward to it from the start, and the fact that we were here to celebrate their independence with them is something we'll not soon forget."

The APS team's Independence Day festivities started with a celebration in the village of Essikado, where the Commander, Naval Forces Europe and Africa band 'The
Diplomats' performed with the Ghanaian Navy's band. With hundreds in attendance, the evening event, 'Reliving Ghana's Independence' highlighted the role of the Essikado region in Ghana's history and featured a variety of music and dancing.

"It was definitely one of the highlights of this deployment so far," said Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Stuble. "Being able to play with our host's navy band, and playing their music at that, is special. Being able to do it on their nation's birthday doubles that."

The celebration continued the next day, Ghana's actual 52nd birthday, featuring formal parades across the country. Many of the APS team attended the Western Region's parade, which was led by Lieutenant Commander Faustina Anokye, the senior-most female officer in the Ghana navy.

"(Nashville Commanding Officer Captain Tushar Tembe) and I were much honored to be included in the official reviewing party," Thebaud said. "The pride and precision displayed by all participants, whether military, other security forces or school children, was inspirational to all, and the parade leadership and intensity displayed by Lieutenant Commander Anokye left us absolutely speechless."

APS is an international initiative under the auspices of Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U. S., European and African partners to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent. APS provides a unique venue to align maritime engagements by utilizing an international team of expert trainers in a variety of military capacities and civilian fields such as fisheries management, port security and meteorology.