Kenyan, Mozambique and Tanzanian armed forces graduated from the first Africa Partnership Station (APS) East training “hub,” February 25, 2011, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

This was the first time APS East assembled students from different east African partner countries in a single location to conduct training.

Ninety-four students attended the week-long training designed to promote maritime safety and security in the region. Courses included small boat maintenance; shipboard electrical maintenance; automatic identification system; regional maritime awareness course; and junior officer and non-commissioned officer leadership training.

"You are all members of the graduating class of the first APS "hub" on the East coast of Africa, bringing together regional partners for collaborative training," said Captain James E. Tranoris, APS East commodore, during the graduation. "Our countries all share a common vision of regional prosperity, security, stability and peace. With our partners in the region, together we will work to continue to improve maritime capabilities and capacity."

Tranoris went on to honor Tanzanian Navy Staff Sergeant Jordan Dismas Kuru and Sergeant Marwa Makaya Mubusi as the first two APS East African instructors.

"These two sailors serve as one more example of the capacity building and continued growth of APS East," said Tranoris. "Having been involved with APS for the past two years, I am proud to see it evolve to this point."

The courses will continue in Tanzania for one more week before APS travels on to Kenya, Mauritius and Seychelles. For many of the students, the relationships built during the time in Tanzania will endure.

"I appreciate the United States’ efforts in creating this partnership," said Tanzanian Navy Captain F. J. Moshi. "The biggest gain from this week of training was the friendships I have made with the sailors from around Africa and the United States. These friendships will help our navies continue to work together for a fruitful partnership in the future."

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, the maritime component of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.