Groves crew welcomes their first APS partners

Courtesy Photo | Tanzanian naval officers Lt. Joseph Mjema and Sub Lt. Amani Mbwambo, embark USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) to support Africa Partnership Station East. 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. (Photo by: Ensign Daniel Stayton)  

DAKAR, SENEGAL

01.27.2011

Courtesy Story

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

Story by: Ensign Daniel Stayton

DAKAR, Senegal – USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) crew welcomed aboard two Tanzanian naval officers as part of the multinational Africa Partnership Station East initiative, Jan. 27.

While onboard the African partners will work along side Stephen W. Groves’ crew, participating in the day-to-day routine of U.S. Navy sailors.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to host riders from our partner nations in Africa,” Cmdr. Matthew Rick, commanding officer of Stephen W. Groves. “I want the Tanzanians and my crew to take full advantage of this unique opportunity. This experience of sharing naval ideas and learning from each others’ culture will remain with these sailors for the rest of their life."

Lt. Joseph Mjema and Sub Lt. Amani Mbwambo will ride the Stephen W. Groves for 10 days. While on board, they will participate in, and observe shipboard damage control, ship navigation and leadership training.

Mjema was very energized about this opportunity and expressed his willingness to learn, “I am excited to learn navigation and chart work,” said Mjema.

This is the first of many African partners that Stephen W. Groves will host in support of 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.

Stephen W. Groves, a Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and in on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 01.27.2011
• Date Posted: 02.01.2011 06:26
• Story ID: 64582
• Location: DAKAR, SN