U.S. Naval Forces Africa prepares for 2019 Africa Partnership Station

Capt. Frank Okata, commodore of Task Force 63, addresses military personnel, international partners, and civilian mariners aboard the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) in port Naval Station Rota, Spain, in preparation for the 2019 Africa Partnership Station (APS) deployment, July 1, 2019. As part of the U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) APS mission, Carson City will visit five Gulf of Guinea nations to work alongside partners to provide host nation-identified, needs-based assistance such as medical services, small boat repair and maintenance, maritime law enforcement, and the completion of community building projects. APS is NAVAF’s flagship maritime security cooperation program focusing on maritime safety and security through increased maritime awareness, response capabilities, and infrastructure.