Africa Partnership Station (APS) Continued Engagement with Liberia
The U.S. Navy’s Africa Partnership Station (APS) has returned to Liberia. In 2008 the Africa Partnership Station and the military officers assigned to it spent the month of March in Liberia conducting humanitarian aid projects and training for the AFL. On Monday, February 16, 2009, the Free Port of Monrovia came alive again when a naval boat from the “USS Nashville (LPD 13)” berthed at the Port. The Nashville off loaded its consignment of donated medical and educational materials, as well as supplies for some 16 marines who will stay in the country until mid March, partnering with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to deliver humanitarian assistance materials to local projects. While in Liberia, the marines will also provide training to the AFL.
United States Ambassador to Liberia, Linda Thomas-Greenfield arrived at the Free Port of Monrovia early Monday morning, and watched with delight as sailors and marines offloaded supplies. Speaking on the side at the Free Port of Monrovia to the press, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed happiness for the much-needed medical and educational supplies for Liberia. She cited the visit of the “USS Nashville” and APS to Liberia as another example of the United States continued commitment to help Liberia improve security.
In 2008, U.S. Naval Ships, including the “USS Fort McHenry” and “HSV Swift” of the U.S. Naval Force Europe Sixth Fleet, visited Liberia over the course of one month. During that visit sailors and marines worked in cooperation with U.S. Office of Security Cooperation, the Liberian Ministry of National Defense and the AFL on a variety of projects and programs. The AFL again collaborated with APS arriving on Monday at the Free Port ready to truck the APS supplies and materials for delivery to targeted beneficiaries.
APS is an international security cooperation initiative led by the U.S. Naval aimed at strengthening global partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.