APS East Arrives in Tanzania

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jason Morris | The Africa Partnership Station East international staff assemble in formation during an APS East press conference held aboard USS Nicholas here, Jan. 15. APS East arrived in Kenya on Monday aboard Nicholas and Swift to participate in maritime exchanges and cultural engagements. APS East will visit ports in Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros to participate in maritime exchanges aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security in the region.  

01.19.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Tracey L. Whitley,

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Africa Partnership Station East arrived here, Jan. 18, with High Speed Vessel Swift and USS Nicholas pulling into port. Both ships are visiting Tanzania to take part in scheduled maritime and cultural exchanges.

This will be the third APS visit here, but this visit 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 Maj. 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, 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 which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent.

• Date Taken: 01.19.2010
• Date Posted: 01.19.2010 10:27
• Story ID: 44113