Naval Officers undergo training under Africa Partnership Station on US Vessel

Thirty Ghanaian Naval officers are undergoing training in Expeditionary Combat First Aid, Management and Small Boat Maintenance on the Africa Partnership Station (APS) Swift Vessel at the Sekondi Naval Base.

The training is to strengthen the maritime capabilities of Ghanaian Naval Forces towards enhancing maritime security.

Briefing journalists during a tour of the HSV2 Swift Vessel on Tuesday, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Adam Cole, Public Affairs Officer on the HSV2, said APS is an international initiative developed by the United States Naval Forces Africa Command, to work cooperatively with the United States and other international partners to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

APS, as part of the United States Africa Command’s security cooperative programme, is a strategic programme designed to build the skills, expertise and professionalism of African militaries, coast guards and mariners, he explained.

Lt Cole said the goal was to improve the ability of the nations involved to extend the rule of law within their territorial waters and exclusive economic zones as well as combat illegal fishing practices, human trafficking, piracy, oil theft and illegal drug trade.

“The APS focuses on building cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services in order to achieve common international goals, primary stability and security,” he stated.

Countries visited by APS HSV2 Swift vessel include Senegal, Togo, Sao Tome and Principe, Cameroon, Liberia, Gabon Equatorial Guinea and Ghana.

The maritime partnership, started four years ago, has brought together 34 African, European and South American countries.

The HSV2 Swift vessel will leave the shores of Ghana on Saturday, August 20.

The APS began in October 2007 with the deployment of HSV2 Swift and the USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) to West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.

Source: GNA