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Africa Partnership Station News

28 Jan 2017

Exercise Cutlass Express to Begin

Maritime forces from East Africa, West Indian Ocean nations, Europe and the United States, as well as several international organizations, will begin the sixth iteration of the annual multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express, Jan. 31. Cutlass Express 2017, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), is designed to assess and improve combined maritime law enforcement capacity and promote national and regional security in East Africa, inform planning and operations. • Cutlass Express 2017 (CE17) will test participating nations’ ability to respond to illicit trafficking, piracy, illegal fishing, and search and rescue situations.

13 Mar 2016

First Ever At-sea Customs and Fisheries Boardings Conducted

USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1) and an embarked multinational law enforcement team, working with Cameroon Navy Ships Ntem (108) and Sanaga (109), conducted the first ever at-sea customs and fisheries boardings supported by Cameroon Navy. The Cameroon Navy vessels patrolled the entirety of the Cameroon Exclusive Economic Zone for 12 days while conducting at-sea law enforcement operations. In the first AMLEP with Cameroon, U.S. maritime forces worked and trained with 17 Cameroon Navy personnel, two Gabonese Navy officers, six Cameroon customs officers, and seven Cameroon fisheries officers. Utilizing Spearhead’s onboard sensors, Sea Vision and the Multi-national Coordination Center for maritime domain awareness…

31 Jan 2016

Cutlass Express 2016 Commences

Maritime forces from Eastern Africa, Western Indian Ocean island nations, Europe and the United States, as well as several international organizations began the fifth iteration of the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express, Jan. 30. Cutlass Express 2016, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness (MDA) and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of participating nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. PORT VICTORIA, Seychelles (NNS) -- Maritime forces from Eastern Africa, Western Indian Ocean island nations, Europe and the United States, as well as several international organizations began the fifth iteration of the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express, Jan. 30.

06 May 2015

Professionals Gather for APS Annual Conference

Maritime professionals from Africa, Europe, and the U.S. began a 4-day conference aimed to enhance collaborative efforts to achieve maritime security in Africa, May 5. The Africa Partnership Station (APS) Annual Planning Conference aims to identify capabilities necessary to achieve regional maritime security goals and in turn schedule APS training opportunities. Capt. John Ries, Africa Engagement Director, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet commented, "“APS has transitioned from the idea of a single vessel to an international partnership owned by all of us. This program has progressed every year as the number of partners grows. The conference provides a forum for discussion to achieve dialogue on maritime issues that affect all African nations.

29 Mar 2015

USNS Spearhead Delivers Materials to Ghana Charities

The U.S. Navy’s joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) delivered wheelchairs and medical supplies to Ghanaian non-governmental organizations March 26, 2015. The materials were delivered under the U.S. Navy’s Project Handclasp program, which accepts humanitarian, educational and goodwill donations, contributed by the American private sector, and transports them to foreign nations on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy vessels. Spearhead delivered 168 of these three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs, with 154 being adult sized and 14 being for children. The shipment weighed more than 15,600 pounds, with an estimated total worth of $42,000. The humanitarian items are from charities in the United States.

16 Mar 2015

U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon visits USNS Spearhead

Ambassador Michael S. Hoza, U.S. ambassador to Cameroon, visited and delivered remarks during reception held aboard the Military Sealift Command’s joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) as part of Africa Partnership Station March 13, 2015. Ambassador Hoza spoke of the importance of Africa Partnership Station, a collaborative capacity-building program in which U.S. forces train with African partner nation’s maritime forces in order to increase interoperability and enforce international maritime law and the upcoming Obangame Express 2015 exercise in which Cameroon military forces will participate later this month.

25 Feb 2015

U.S., Ghana Complete AMLEP 2015

U.S. and Ghanaian and maritime forces completed Africa Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP) 2015 operations, Feb. 24, 2015. The Military Sealift Command’s joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) and an embarked combined law enforcement detachment (LEDET), working in tandem with Ghanaian navy’s Western Naval Command Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and patrol vessels, were able to detect three vessels that were violating Ghanaian maritime law and cite them for follow-on judicial action. The combined Ghana-U.S. efforts—another example of the Global Network of Navies—improves interoperability between both nations and helps deter illicit activity that threatens freedom and security in the global commons.

04 May 2014

USNS Spearhead First Deployment Judged a Success

The U.S. Navy informs that its first -in-class joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) has left the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, after more than three months of operating in the European and African theaters. "I am extremely proud of the work Spearhead has achieved in theater, primarily for her efforts in supporting Africa Partnership Station and the pillars that program represents," said Vice Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, who recently visited the ship during a port visit in Gabon. "I commend the Sailors and civilians who performed superbly over the course of their work here in U.S. 6th Fleet. Since entering the theater in late January…

14 Nov 2013

Marine Task Force Conclude West Africa Engagements

An International Marine Task Force comprised of U.S., U.K., Dutch and Spanish Marine units disembarked from the Royal Netherlands Navy landing platform dock HNLMS Rotterdam (L800) after concluding a comprehensive set of security-enhancing activities as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS), Nov. 10. Over the course of three months, Rotterdam conducted five capability-enhancing engagements in support of the APS program in Senegal, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria and Cameroon. Rotterdam Sailors, Dutch mobile training teams and the International Marine Task Force worked with more than 1,087 maritime professionals in skills ranging from amphibious training, port security, and martial arts to fishery conferences, coxswain training and maritime law.

29 Jan 2013

USMMA Commissions New Deputy Superintendent

Commissioning Ceremony: Photo credit US MMA

Rear Admiral Susan L. Dunlap commissioned into the United States Maritime Service by Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of administration, faculty, staff and the Regiment of Midshipmen. Maritime Administrator David Matsuda also attended the commissioning ceremony along with Marlise Streitmatter, chief of staff for the Department of Transportation. "We're thrilled to welcome Captain Dunlap on-board to help continue the important work of training and preparing the next generation of Merchant Mariners," said deputy secretary Porcari.

28 Aug 2012

US MSC Chartered 'Swift' on African Partnership Mission

Military Sealift Command-chartered High Speed Vessel 'Swift' begins week of Africa Partnership Station (APS) in Port of Douala, Cameroon. Swift's Military Detachment Officer-in-Charge Lt.Cmdr. Brad Fillius met with the various leaders of the commands and departments that will be impacted the most by the APS events scheduled for the week. "These visits remind us of the importance of the sea; paying attention to the sea is a new way of thinking for us," said Capt. Lucien Dzou, commander Douala Naval Base. The visits allowed for an exchange of information on the APS program which includes the classroom instruction that began Monday with courses on port security, Marine Corps martial arts, non-commissioned officer leadership, and maritime domain awareness and oil platform protection classes.

18 Nov 2008

Navy Brings Maritime Perspective

Members from Maritime Civil Affairs Group (MCAG) participated in the 57th Civil Affairs Association annual conference held in Portsmouth, Va., Nov. 6-8, marking the group's inaugural participation in such an event. MCAG serves as the Navy's experts in planning and conducting civil–military operations, focusing on maritime disciplines and the near-shore operational environment in support of the nation's maritime strategy. These forces are designed to complement and expand current civil affairs capability in the Army and Marine Corps and fill a warfighting gap for the Navy. The conference brought together civil affairs leaders to address current challenges and the future of civil affairs.

28 Aug 2008

Second U.S. Ship Delivers Aid to Georgia

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) and the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) transit through the Black Sea en route to the Republic of Georgia to deliver humanitarian relief supplies. Dallas is carrying more than 76,000 pounds of supplies, including soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, baby wipes, toilet paper and other necessities. (U.S. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) pulled into port in Batumi, Georgia Aug. 27 to deliver humanitarian relief supplies as part of Operation Assured Delivery…

23 May 2008

MPS Squadron One Changes Command

The leadership of Military Sealift Command’s 6th Fleet-based Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron One, or MPS Squadron One, changed hands May 22 in Corfu, Greece, with the outgoing commander Capt. Clay Saunders being relieved by Capt. William Sheehan during a ceremony held aboard the squadron’s flagship USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo. The ships of MPS Squadron One – MSC ships Bobo and USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat –  are forward deployed year-round in the European and African theaters, strategically prepositioning military cargo at-sea for quick delivery ashore in the event of any fast-breaking military or humanitarian crises. While Bobo and Wheat are noncombatant cargo ships crewed by merchant mariners, the squadron is commanded by a Navy captain and a military staff embarked aboard the flagship.

01 Apr 2008

APS, Swift Returns to Ghana in Support of NOAA, Fisheries

High Speed Vessel 2 Swift arrived in Tema, March 30 for its second visit here, as well as its seventh engagement visit as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). Swift will host a group of 40 Ghanaian fisheries observers in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service, who will be leading a training workshop. Fisheries observers embark industrial fishing vessels off of the coast of Ghana and collect information about the fish being caught, as well as interactions between fishing activities and mammals, sea turtles and sea birds. However, the impact of observer activities affects more than just fisheries management…

31 Mar 2008

Military Sealift Command-Chartered Ship Delivers Humanitarian Aid Equipment

Military Sealift Command (MSC)-chartered ship SS Cleveland arrived in , March 24, carrying U.S. Navy Seabee equipment and supplies for a contingent of Navy Seabee's in the conducting humanitarian aid projects. The equipment delivered by , including a dump truck, bulldozers and generators, will be used by members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 Det. Africa Partnership Station (APS) on four construction sites. APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe initiative that provides maritime training and humanitarian assistance to West and Central African nations. Before arriving in , loaded supplies in , , and picked up additional equipment in , where the Seabees were wrapping up a handful of construction projects.

25 Mar 2008

Swift Assists Vessel in Distress Off Liberian Coast

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell, Africa Partnership Station Public AffairsWhile transiting off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS), March 20 High Speed Vessel 2 Swift received a distress call, relayed from the Maritime Regional Coordination Center (RMCC) in Lisbon, of a Portuguese fishing vessel, the Princesa Di Guadiana, stranded 100 nautical miles off the Liberian Coast with no food, water or fuel. The RMCC contacted Lt. Cmdr. Jose Neto of the Portuguese Navy, who is the APS operations officer aboard the USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), APS flag ship. Cap Lara, a Greek flagged vessel, remained in the vicinity until Swift arrived to assist the Princesa.

20 Mar 2008

MSC Ships Prepare for Sea-Basing Exercise

Military Sealift Command ships USNS 2nd LT John P. Bobo and USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat arrived off the coast of Monrovia, Liberia, in the Gulf of Guinea March 20, to participate in a sea-basing and humanitarian aid distribution exercise in conjunction with U.S. Marines and Africa Partnership Station ships USS Fort McHenry and HSV-2 Swift. Bobo and Wheat are U.S. Navy cargo ships that are part of Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron One, or MPSRON One, one of three squadrons that preposition military equipment in strategic locations at-sea for rapid delivery ashore in response to military or humanitarian crises. These squadrons are commanded by a U.S. Navy captain with an embarked military staff, while the ships themselves are crewed by merchant mariners under contract to MSC.

30 Jan 2008

APS Aboard HSV Swift Visits Togo

The high-speed vessel (HSV 2) Swift is moored pier-side at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek before departing for the western coast of Africa. While in Africa, Swift will take part in the Global Fleet Station (GFS), Africa Partnership Station (APS) Initiative, for the purpose of strengthening cooperative partnerships with regional maritime security. U.S. Africa Partnership Station (APS) pulled into Lome, aboard High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift Jan. 28, as the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Togo in 15 years.

01 Feb 2008

STP Coast Guard Utilizes Latest Technology

The Sao Tome and Principe (STP) Coast Guard has installed and have received training to use the latest surface surveillance program, the Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) here, Jan. 28. RMAC, a U.S. Navy inspired coastal surveillance program, utilizes Automatic Identification System and ground-based radars and sensors to provide the user situational awareness in their maritime domain. This maritime domain awareness is an essential aspect of maritime safety and security in their region. STP is the first African country to have RMAC installed and integrated into the Maritime Safety and Security Information System, a global database used to track ships all across the world.

29 Jan 2008

HSV Swift Repairs PIRATA Buoy

The high-speed vessel (HSV 2) Swift is moored pier-side at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek before departing for the western coast of Africa. While in Africa, Swift will take part in the Global Fleet Station (GFS), Africa Partnership Station (APS) Initiative, for the purpose of strengthening cooperative partnerships with regional maritime security. U.S. Sailors aboard High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift repaired a Pilot Research Moored Array in the Atlantic (PIRATA) buoy, Jan. 25…

16 Jan 2008

NAVEUR's Guidance – Executing Maritime Strategy

From Commander, U.S. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR)/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa Guidance for 2008 was released Jan. 8, by Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe. Fitzgerald's vision for naval forces in Europe and Africa centers on achieving excellence, continuing to build a creative, diverse and professional team, and making U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) the assignment choice in the U.S. Navy. "(We will) conduct the full range of maritime operations in theater security cooperation in concert with coalition, joint, inter-agency and other partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa," he wrote. In the document, Fitzgerald defines his operational objectives and strategic imperatives.

14 Dec 2007

Training off Africa

U.S. and French Navy trainers and Cameroonian students on Zodaic crafts make their approach to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) while learning visit, board, search and seizure techniques as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries, to address common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (U.S.