Blog: MCAST instructors in Cape Verde for APS

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Felicito Rustique Jr. | Chief Master-at-Arms Neil McLean, a maritime civil affairs security training instructor, demonstrates handcuffing techniques to Cape Verdian marines during armed sentry training as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Felicito Rustique/Released)  

CAPE VERDE

01.17.2013

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique Jr. 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe

MINDELO, Cape Verde – A team of U.S. Navy maritime civil affairs security training (MCAST) instructors completed 8 days of training with Cape Verdian marines and coast guardsman aboard the High-Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), Jan. 17.

The MCAST team from Dam Neck, Va., who came to Cape Verde in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS), taught the Cape Verdians boarding team operations and armed sentry training. The curriculum featured classroom instruction, takedowns and holds, striking techniques and field tactical movements. They also simulated boarding procedures on the Cape Verde Coast Guard patrol boat NP Guardian (P511).

Two MCAST instructors used their fluency in Portuguese to translate and communicate instructions. Their assistance as interpreters proved valuable in Cape Verde, where English is not the dominant language.

“It’s a privilege for me to be here and speak my native language,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Bruno Doamral, who was born and raised in Portugal and immigrated to the U.S. when he was 20. “I knew the Navy could use me here. This is my first time in Cape Verde, and I love it. I like the island environment. The people are great, and it’s absolutely incredible.”

Doamral also said he believes training and partnering with African nations through APS is a valuable contribution.

“If you train these nations…their waters will be secure,” said Doamral.
“They’ll be able to support themselves and can live in peace.”

Chief Master-at-Arms Joe Nunes, a reservist and 21-year veteran of the New York Police Department, was the other Portuguese speaker who helped facilitate the training.

“It’s a great working relationship that we have with Cape Verde,” said Nunes. “They are extremely professional, and I feel very positive about this country and its outlook. Hopefully they can take a good portion of this training with them for future use.”

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.

• Date Taken: 01.17.2013
• Date Posted: 01.17.2013 10:38
• Story ID: 100639
• Location: CV