USS Samuel B. Roberts Departs Victoria, Seychelles

USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) departed Seychelles Aug. 18, after six-days of training in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East.

During the visit, Sailors from Samuel B. Roberts hosted a damage control course designed to familiarize partner students with shipboard damage control equipment and emergency procedures.

Cmdr. Angel Cruz, Samuel B. Roberts’ commanding officer, said he felt the training had been productive for both his crew and for the personnel from participating African partner nations.

“Maritime security should be a goal for all countries, and that goal won’t be achieved unilaterally,” said Cruz. “We have to work together as nations and as maritime services to achieve safe and secure waters on the East African coast. I think the partnerships we have built, and are continuing to build through the Africa Partnership Station initiative, are going to be instrumental to making this goal a reality.”

Cruz was pleased with all the training that was conducted in Victoria, but especially proud of his Sailors’ efforts during the damage control course.

“Damage control has got to be the foundation of any shipboard operation,” said Cruz. “We live and breathe through our ability to handle emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. Watching our Sailors passing that on to our African partners was great to see, because when our partners are safer and more effective it means we are all safer and more effective.”

Samuel B. Roberts’ crew also participated in a community relations project at the President’s Village Children’s home.

The ship also hosted Seychellois media and Chief of the Seychelles coast guard, Col. Donald Gertrude during their visit.

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 19, 2011;