Joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) and its embarked detachment of U.S. Navy Sailors, civil service mariners and U.S., Spanish and British Marines conduct the Gabon phase of Spearhead’s support to Africa Partnership Station in Port Gentil, Gabon, April 6, 2015.
While in port, Spearhead’s embarked military detachment will conduct bilateral training with Gabon military forces to enhance interoperability and partnership. The crew also plans to paint and repair a local orphanage while in port.
Cmdr. Matthew Flemming, Africa Partnership Station 2015 mission commander, said:
During our visit, we’ll conduct marine-to-marine training along with medical subject matter expert exchanges, thus helping build a stronger Global Network of Navies.
1st Lt. Scott C. Mahaffey, embarked U.S. Marine, said:
In country, we will work alongside Gabonese navy personnel and conduct [Visit, Board, Search and Seizure] training, infantry tactics development, weapons-handling training and conduct live-fire exercises.
Africa Partnership Station is the mechanism by which international maritime forces share professional skills, knowledge and experience to enhance collective efforts to combat sea-borne illicit activity.
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Image: US Navy