USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) departed Lagos, Nigeria after a seven-day port visit.

During the visit, the ship was able to get underway and conduct joint training at-sea with two ships from the Nigerian Navy. Additionally, the crew of the Roberts provided military-to-military training and familiarization in basic damage control, first aid, anti-terrorism force protection, non-lethal weapons, visual communications, and visit board, search, and seizure (VBSS).

Members of the VBSS team took advantage of the unique underway opportunity to board the Nigerian naval ships Barutu and Nwamba while the three ships were at sea during a two-day underway. This was the first instance of such cooperation in which Nigerian ships sailed with U.S. Naval ships.

"This was my first time working with the Nigerian Navy and going on a Nigerian ship; I enjoyed the experience," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Kory Worden, a member of Samuel B. Roberts' VBSS team. "It was very interesting to see how their VBSS team trains."

While in port, 12 Nigerian sailors had a chance to board Samuel B. Roberts and learn basic damage control and line handling techniques such as wearing a self- contained breathing apparatus, a device used to help Sailors breathe while fighting fires.

"The Nigerian sailors were very enthusiastic, which made the familiarization training better; I had a nice time and I would love to work with them again," said Petty Officer 1st Class Kenith Recio.

After the training and familiarization, sailors participated in a community relations project. They painted and did electrical work at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital and donated hygiene and recreation supplies to both the hospital and Lion's Village Orphanage as a part of "Project Handclasp."

"This was great to give back," said Petty Officer 1st Class Terrell Mathis. "My grandmother is from Nigeria and even though I was not able to contact any of my relatives while being here, I enjoyed meeting and working with the natives."

Sailors also played a friendly game of soccer and volleyball against members of the Nigerian Navy, shopped at a bazaar, coordinated by the American Embassy, and hosted a reception onboard where Congressional representatives Jack Kingston, Gregory Meeks, Melvin Watt and Bob Goodlatte attended.

"The U.S. Embassy was extremely helpful in organizing our interaction with the Nigerian Navym," said Commander Chuck Sellers, commanding officer of Samuel B. Roberts. "Their work enabled us to maximize our training with the Navy and allowed us to enjoy some much needed liberty."

The Samuel B. Roberts is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and is currently on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.