BUNDASE TRAINING CAMP, Ghana - Marines with Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force arrived in Ghana, March 9, 2010, to begin their original Africa Partnership Station mission after being redirected to Haiti to participate in disaster relief efforts there.

The military-to-military familiarization event with the Ghanaian Army was designed to increase interoperability with the United States and to increase Ghanaian security capacity.

Both Spanish and Portuguese Marines will be working along U.S. troops during the training.

"We are here to integrate with the activities of the Marines," said Captain Sergio Oyon, commander of the Spanish Marines attached to the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force. "I am happy we are making many friends here. It's not just about working, it's about forming good relations. This enriches our service and helps to improve it."

Marines debarked USS Gunston Hall for the port of Tema, arriving at the training base in the evening. They had just enough time to set up camp before a huge downpour drenched the area. It was the first rainfall in Ghana in five months.

"I actually enjoyed the rain," said CorporalTaber A. Young, an amphibious assault vehicle crew chief. "It was a motivating experience; I just hope it doesn't rain again."

Ghana is the first of three African countries where the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force will be conducting theater security cooperation events.

The Marines will spend three weeks in Ghana before splitting up to continue working with militaries in Senegal and Liberia.

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