Africa Partnership Station Strengthening Relationships with Kenya

By Lt. Cmdr. Suzanna Brugler, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

MOMBASA, Kenya (NNS) -- USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) commanding officer, and the deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron Six Zero met with local Kenyan senior officials, July 19, marking the ship´s arrival as part of the training hub during Africa Partnership Station (APS) 2011.

Capt. John Esposito, deputy commodore of Destroyer Squadron Six Zero, and Robert's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Angel Cruz, met with Kenya Navy Commander Maj. Gen. Ngewa Mukala at the Mombasa Kenyan Naval Base, participating in the time-honored Kenyan tradition of having afternoon tea. The tradition dates back to Kenya´s past as a former British colony. The international leaders discussed APS and the educational impact the training initiative has provided for both countries.

"We really appreciate what the U.S. is doing with APS here in Kenya, and it´s important that we keep the relationship going from generation to generation," said Mukala.

Mukula also expressed appreciation of the U.S. government´s training of young Kenyan sailors, specifically citing the Special Boat Unit and Naval Leadership hub classes.

"Not only is APS beneficial to our African partners, it is also educational for our Sailors, especially in the area of cultural exchange and understanding," said Esposito.

Cruz returned the favor, hosting the Kenyan Navy Commander for lunch in the ship´s wardroom and a personal ship tour of Samuel B. Roberts. During the tour Mukala was introduced to two Kenyan midshipmen embarked on board as part of the APS at-sea training.

The following day, the U.S. Navy leaders made morning office calls to the Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Coast Province, Mr. Khamasi Shivogo, and the Mombasa City Council Town Clerk, Mr. Tubmun Otieno. Discussion during the official visits focused on maritime safety and security in Africa, a fundamental tenant of APS. In addition to military training, Samuel B. Roberts will participate in community relations (COMREL) projects at a local hospital and school.

APS Kenyan Hub began July 11 with classes including Humanitarian Relief, Small Boat Operations and Basic Instructor Training. The courses are taught jointly by both African partners and U.S. Navy Sailors from Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command (MCAST), based out of Dam Neck, Va., and Samuel B. Roberts.

The Kenyan hub brings more than 85 maritime professionals from seven partner nations together for training designed to improve capacity and capability in the region. Samuel B. Roberts provides APS with a platform to give hands-on experience in a real, working environment.

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.