Subscribe
By Petty Officer1st Class Charles L. Ludwig,
Africa Partnership Station Nashville public affairs
DAKAR, Senegal – The top U.S. official in Senegal visited USS Nashville Feb. 5, speaking at a reception aboard the ship's flight deck in honor of the currently ongoing Africa Partnership Station Nashville.
U.S. Ambassador to Senegal Marcia S. Bernicat addressed members of the APS Nashville team and their guests during Nashville's second day in Dakar, the capital city of the West African country.
The speech came as Nashville Sailors and the embarked APS international staff continued their task of improving maritime security throughout West and Central Africa.
"The Africa Partnership Station which launched over a year ago in 2007, is a strong and new concept that combines...our Allies, our friends, and also NGOs and other country partners," said Bernicat. "APS is built on one strong premise, and it is that strong, open partnerships enhance security and stability."
The APS deployment is doubling as Nashville's farewell voyage, with the ship set to decommission in September after 39 years of Naval service. That fact was not lost on Bernicat.
"If I understand correctly, both the first and the last sail of any U.S. ship are the most important in its life. Therefore I have to redouble my thanks that you have honored this program and that you have honored Senegal by including Senegal in the final voyage of the USS Nashville."
Following Bernicat's remarks, Chief of Defense for Senegal's military, Gen. Abdoulaye Fall addressed the crowd and emphasized his esteem for APS.
"As far as APS is concerned, we are very positive about this initiative, and that's why we didn't hesitate in hosting a portion last year here in Dakar," said Fall. "Back then we were just observers, and now we are fully committed to these initiatives."
The visit was about more than giving speeches, however, as Bernicat also had a chance to personally meet with many members of APS Nashville and Senegalese Sailors. That was important to all people taking part in the mission, APS Nashville Commander Capt. Cindy Thebaud said.
"I would like to thank Madame Ambassador, General Fall, the Armed Forces of Senegal, and the entire country of Senegal for the wonderful hospitality we have received," said Thebaud. "We are not only here now, but we will be back in May, and we very much look forward to a long and strong relationship with the armed forces of Senegal."
The reception included a buffet-style meal, as well as live music by 'The Diplomats,' a subset band of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band. More than 100 Sailors and guests gathered on the ship to enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship.
Nashville is currently deployed in support of APS, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security on the African continent. Nashville is focused on supporting the APS strategy in West and Central Africa.
To learn more about Africa Partnership Station Nashville, please visit www.c6f.navy.mil/aps_web/index.htm.
| Date Taken: | 02.10.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2009 04:36 |
| Story ID: | 29824 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 220 |
This work, Africa Partnership Station Nashville hosts U.S. ambassador to Senegal in Dakar, by CPO Charles Ludwig, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
