NAVEUR’s 2009 goal is to continue building partnerships within Africa

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NAVEUR’s 2009 goal is to continue building partnerships within Africa
By Lisa M. Novak, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, January 11, 2009

NAPLES, Italy — The commander for Naval Forces Europe laid out his priorities for the coming year last week in an all-hands message to Navy commands in Europe.

Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander U.S. Naval Forces Africa, said he is focused on several key goals for 2009, centered around security in Europe and Africa, quality of life for the work force and families, and "capacity building" with partners in eastern Europe and Africa.

"Last year, we achieved what we set out to do in building maritime partnerships," Fitzgerald said in an e-mail sent to European-based naval forces. "Africa Partnership Station was proof of our commitment to improve maritime safety and security."

APS is a Navy initiative designed to provide security training to African navies to help them combat regional problems such as drug smuggling, piracy, over-fishing, illegal immigration and human trafficking.

This year, the focus continues on building partnerships with African nations, with added support for the newly created U.S. Africa Command.


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