Sailors from the High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) participated in a community service project at the Starfish International school in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West, September 8, 2011.

Starfish International is a non-governmental organization that provides education to underprivileged girls in The Gambia.

Sailors toured the Starfish International facility, met with students and held a group reading session.

"It was great to see how this program works and to watch the impact it has on the children here," said Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Downs.

Downs was especially impressed by the focus that APS has on community service, and how participating in programs that are as simple as "just reading to children" can help give back to a community.

"I'm thankful for the visit by the U.S. Navy. The interaction is important to provide a more positive framework for how the children view visitors," said Mam-Yassin Sarr, director of Starfish International. "I am always amazed when people want to be a part of what, I view, as a humble dream to better the lives of the children."

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.