African sailors learn about force protection on board Gunston Hall

USS GUNSTON HALL, AT SEA

03.26.2010

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Stratton 

USS Gunston Hall (LSD44)

USS GUNSTON HALL, At Sea - Nigerian, Ghanaian and Benin sailors took part in a force protection skills and applications course aboard the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall while the ship was docked at Sekondi Naval Base, Ghana.

The course of instruction is part of Africa Partnership Station West, and was designed to show techniques for improving security.

Several Gunston Hall Sailors took turns instructing classes on such topics as small boat attack, hostage situation and civil disturbance.

"(They) are definitely looking forward to teaching the techniques we gave them to their navy personnel," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Matt Kopa, from Waymart, Pa., assigned to Gunston Hall's engineering department and one of the instructors. "We tried to pick topics that were as real world as possible."

"It was a good experience," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Corey Brown, from Wells, Maine, from Gunston Hall's operations department. "Whenever given the opportunity to instruct it's always great because you feel like you are becoming better at what you are doing from the instructor side, while also refreshing your own personal skill-level on the given topics."

Nigerian navy Seaman Quarter Armory 3rd Class Henry Dairo said he believes the lessons learned through the training will help his navy.

"Working with personnel from other African navies has been a wonderful experience," he said. "I truly believe that the tactics taught during the force protection course will help me keep my navy safe."

"I always think it's great to train with them," said Kopa. "It's interesting to hear how they were taught and show them how we were taught."

APS West is designed to enhance professional development and provide a valuable motivational and instructional experience to increase the awareness of maritime security.

Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of APS West, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa that aims to improve maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.

• Date Taken: 03.26.2010
• Date Posted: 03.26.2010 20:47
• Story ID: 47288
• Location: USS GUNSTON HALL, AT SEA