USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) (Sammy B) departed Tanzania after an eight-day training hub in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East, Aug. 8.
The crew played a vital role in the hub’s success, which saw the graduation of 96 students from African partner nations in courses such as search and rescue planning, small boat operations, small boat navigation and meteorology and oceanography.
During the visit, Samuel B. Roberts also hosted a reception, conducted ship tours for visitors and hosted Rear Adm. Kenneth “K.J.” Norton , U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa deputy chief of staff for strategy, resources and plans and Capt. Dan Shaffer, commanding officer of Destroyer Squadron 60.
Samuel B. Roberts Commanding Officer Cmdr. Angel Cruz said the hub was an exciting undertaking for his ship and crew to be a part of.
“ The Tanzanian people made my crew and I feel right at home from day one, ” said Cruz. “ It was a busy week and we accomplished a lot. It was a great time and we hope to be back soon.”
The visit to Tanzania also included office calls with Maj. Gen. Saidi Shabani Omar , chief of the Tanzanian navy and Maj. Gen. Sylvester Rioba , chief of training and operations of the Tanzanian Peoples’ Defense Force.
Sammy B Sailors also participated in a two-day community relations project involving more than 40 Sailors at Makongo Primary School and a soccer match with the Tanzanian navy team.
Samuel B. Roberts will continue her deployment in support of APS East with training stops in Seychelles, Mozambique, and Mauritius.
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.
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Source: navy, August 9, 2011;