Togo-born U.S. Sailor interprets, teaches African sailors

DAKAR, SENEGAL

04.24.2010

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Stratton 

USS Gunston Hall (LSD44)

DAKAR, Senegal – A U.S. Sailor, born and raised in the Togolese Republic, finds herself back in Africa on a unique mission aboard the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall supporting Africa Partnership Station West.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Chirstelle Byll moved to Baltimore at 19. Joining the Navy in December 2005, the Sailor, currently assigned to Norfolk-based USS Stout, was hand selected to assist instructors from the Security Force Assistance Detachment of the Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Assistance Training Command, using her native French-speaking skills to interpret the course material being instructed to sailors from various French-speaking African nations.

"A friend recommended me," said Byll. "I jumped right on it, knowing it would be a great opportunity to come back to Africa and help out.

"I went through an instructor school before joining the team," she said. "I then had to familiarize myself with the course material that we would be teaching to the African sailors."

Byll interpreted for the port security and train the trainer classes instructed by Chief Petty Officer Jerry Mosley, from Orangeburg, S.C, that included sailors and coast guardsmen from the Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea.

"Byll is a great asset to the team," said Mosley. "She brings with her an understanding of the African culture and can also relate to being a U.S. Sailor."

"I believe the African sailors relate to me a little more than the other instructors," said Byll. "They feel more comfortable asking me questions if they need help."

Byll said she hopes the students can take the training and apply it when they return home.

"The students I help teach are really enjoying the training that the team is providing," she said.

Senegalese navy Chief Petty Officer Joseph Ndiaye was thrilled to have the African-born U.S. Sailor interpret for him.

"I was unaware at first that she was from Togo," he said. "This was a big surprise and a great opportunity because she knows both cultures."

"Having knowledge of both cultures is like being the middle man," said Byll.

She said she plans on making a career out of the Navy, eventually seeking a commission.

The training being conducted through APS West is designed to enhance professional development and provide a valuable motivational and instructional experience to increase the awareness of maritime safety and security.

Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment in West Africa in support of APS West, an international initiative developed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa that aims to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2010
• Date Posted: 04.24.2010 13:57
• Story ID: 48648
• Location: DAKAR, SN