USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) sailors and embarked APS staff begins its Africa Partnership Station (APS) East deployment in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, February 22, 2011.



The first phase of this year's APS East deployment will involve naval personnel from more than seven countries and provide training on topics including basic seamanship, medical procedures, shipboard maintenance and maritime security.



APS East commodore, Captain James E. Tranoris, said the APS stop in Tanzania is a chance to get things started on the right foot.



"Tanzania is a wonderful country and has displayed true partnership in the APS endeavor," said Tranoris. "Their commitment of time and manpower to APS shows a much deeper commitment to the maritime safety and security of the entire region. We are excited to be here and look forward to a productive two weeks of training and cooperation."



The visit will also mark the graduation of 12 embarked Ugandan, Tanzanian and Kenyan ship riders from an at-sea training course aboard Stephen W. Groves consisting of training in watch

Standing; visit, board, search and seizure; and physical security among other topics.



"The keyword in APS is partnership," said Tanzanian Navy Captain Patrick Suwala. "I'm excited to be a part of an initiative that is facilitating this partnership between many East African nations. When Kenyans are safer and more secure, I am safer and more secure. We are all brothers in this cause and Africa Partnership Station is a means through which we can build and maintain these bonds."



Stephen W. Groves is scheduled to visit Cape Verde, Kenya, Mauritius, Senegal, and Seychelles during the next four months. During these visits, the ship will embark African students in order to conduct professional exchanges in many areas including seamanship, maritime law enforcement, medical readiness, oil spill management, non-commissioned officer development and navigation. At the request of several non-government agencies, the ship carries a large quantity of relief goods for the African coastal countries to include educational, humanitarian and goodwill material.



"The Groves team is honored to have the opportunity to participate in APS East," said Commander Matthew S. Rick, commander officer Stephen W. Groves. "We view every exercise and operation as a chance to get better and this is no different. Getting to interact with our African partners gives APS the added benefit of allowing our sailors to teach their skills, and whenever you teach someone you are learning the lesson again yourself. We are excited for the challenges and rewards APS East 2011 presents and are ready to get to work."



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.