USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) departed Port Louis, Mauritius, after completing the second training "Hub" of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East, March 28, 2011.

The "Hub" saw the graduation of armed service members from Djibouti, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique and Tanzania from training courses including tactical combat casualty, expeditionary combat lifesaver, physical security and damage control.

The 2011 hub was the first facilitated by the Mauritius Police Force, and APS leadership said its success was a testament to their organization and professionalism.

"The Mauritius Police Force did a tremendous job in facilitating the APS training held this week here in Port Louis," said Captain James E. Tranoris, commander of APS East. "From coordinating lodging to transporting students and a myriad of other details required to successfully accomplish the training, everything was conducted perfectly."

The "Hub" brought together more than 100 maritime professionals from regional African nations to facilitate maritime security and safety in the region.

"I want to thank the Mauritian government for their leadership in bringing together partners from Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, United States and Mauritius for this maritime training opportunity focused on improving safety and security in the Indian Ocean," said Tranoris.

In addition to the benefits provided by training and working with international maritime professionals, the relationships built during the hub will continue and grow, providing a strong foundation for a fruitful and meaningful partnership, explained Tranoris.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.