In an effort to enhance maritime security in Sao Tome and Principe, crew members of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas partnered with Sao Tome Coast Guard personnel June 27 to July 2, 2008, to share ideas and practice maritime procedures and operations.

The 378-foot cutter Dallas is currently deployed off the coast of West and Central Africa in support of U.S. Naval Forces Europe's Africa Partnership Station (APS) initiative.

During their visit, Eunice S. Reddick, U.S. Ambassador for Sao Tome and Principe, hosted a reception in honor of Sao Tome's Independence Day on June 26. Dallas' commanding officer and several crewmembers attended the reception, where they discussed theater security training and operations with government officials in Sao Tome.

Over the five-day period, Sao Tome Coast Guard personnel trained aboard Dallas, where they practiced maritime law-enforcement tactical-team movements, small-boat operations, as well as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) familiarization. Immediate feedback was given to each participant regarding techniques, tactics and procedures in order to provide the most beneficial learning environment.

"The training we have received aboard Dallas will be very beneficial to our Coast Guard," said Second Lieutenant Ramoon Nascimento, a Sao Tome Coast Guard officer. "Next time we would like to have more of our Coast Guard members attend and train for a longer period of time."

Dallas crewmembers toured the Sao Tome and Principe Coast Guard's operations center, where they discussed maritime awareness issues and ways to enhance the existing systems. They also helped to troubleshoot engineering problems with several of the Sao Tome Coast Guard's small boats.

"I first came to Sao Tome three years ago, and it was impressive to come back and see the new capabilities of the Sao Tomean Coast Guard to bolster their maritime security," said Captain Robert Wagner, commanding officer of Dallas. "It clearly shows that persistent efforts like APS really do make a difference in helping our African partners."