USS Nicholas (FFG 47) and High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) pulled into port at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, January 18, 2010. Both ships are visiting Tanzania to take part in scheduled maritime and cultural exchanges as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East.

This APS visit, the third one to Tanzania, marks the first time that two APS platforms are deployed and an international staff is involved in executing the program. The international staff consists of members from Brazil, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania and the United States.

"I think the reason APS engagements are so important for the Tanzanian Navy is because it will increase their maritime skills and overall shipboard knowledge," said Tanzania Navy Major Jumaa M. Kassi, the APS training officer and senior Tanzania military officer on the staff. "Our Navy doesn't have as many resources as the United States, but with the right training, Tanzania will be better suited to promote maritime security."

The visit will include workshops, classroom seminars and hands-on training with Tanzanian sailors. Training will cover areas such as medical procedures, port security, small boat maintenance, damage control and visit, board, search and seizure. Additionally, there will be two sporting matches along with multiple band engagements with various Tanzanian schools and a concert at the University of Dar es Salaam.

The ships have already visited ports in Djibouti and Kenya, and embarked sailors are optimistic about their third port visit in support of APS.

"This partnership we have created allows the African people an opportunity to become better trained and more exposed to other navies ultimately making them more efficient in the Tanzanian Navy," added Kassi.

APS is a worldwide initiative in support of Naval Forces Africa, a component of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent.