Photos from February, 2008

ATLANTIC OCEAN — The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) leads a formation of ships during an Atlantic Ocean crossing of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group Feb. 25. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew King) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SOFIA, Bulgaria — Bulgarian Lt. Gen. Galimir Pehlivanon (left), and Vice Adm. Richard Gallagher, U.S. European Command deputy commander sign seven implementing agreements for Joint Task Force-East, at a signing ceremony here Feb. 28. JTF-E is a USEUCOM intitiative to strenghtne the relationships between the U.S. and its Eastern Europe allies. (Department of State photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LIMBE, Cameroon — Spanish Marine Gunnery Sgt. Rafael Garcia (left), Cpl. Nadiuska Torro, Capt. Samuel Morales, and Sgt. Javier Lucena cut a cake in celebration of the 471st birthday of Infanteria de Marina, the Spanish Marine Infantry onboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) Feb. 27. The four Spanish Marines bring their training and experience to African students as instructors assigned to Africa Partnership Station. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CAMP VEARNES, Norway — U.S. Army Soldiers from the Minnesota Army National Guard participate in a flag raising ceremony for the 35th Annual U.S./Norwegian Troop Reciprocal Exchange here Feb. 13, 2008. The guardsmen will take part in winter training and a unique cultural exchange while on this two week deployment. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Jason Rolfe) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MAYUMBA, Gabon — Commanding Officer, Navy Cmdr. Charles Rock (top left), looks on as a Gabonese Navy patrol boat pulls alongside High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) Feb. 27 during small boat handling and navigation training brought to Mayumba by Africa Partnership Station and the Expeditionary Training Command (ETC). An ETC training team has been working with the Gabonese Navy and other organizations that play a role in fisheries control and surveillance, such as the Gabonese Department of Fisheries. The training, facilitated by the non-governmental organization Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), is part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy. APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through building transparent partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Bell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MAYUMBA, Gabon — Gabonese school children from Ecole Communale C, a local school here, stand at attention while singing their national anthem played by the Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa Brass Quintet from Africa Partnership Station (APS) Feb. 26. The visit consisted of four schools with over 200 children at each school. The visit was part of APS's community relations activities held in conjunction with training with the Gabonese Navy and other organizations that play a role in fisheries control and surveillance, such as the Gabonese Department of Fisheries. The training was facilitated by the non-governmental organization Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). As a part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through building transparent partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. j.g. Megan Shutka) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MAYUMBA, Gabon — Navy Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Robert Hewitt, (left), team leader of an Expeditionary Training Command (ETC) team, discusses navigational considerations with Dr. Richard Parnell, (far right), director of the local office of the non-governmental organization Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and WCS employees while transiting a lagoon in Mayumba National Park Feb. 25. Small boat handling and navigation training, taught by ETC and brought to Mayumba by Africa Partnership Station (APS) aboard High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift, is taking place here with the assistance of Swift crew members for the Gabonese Navy, Fisheries Department, and Merchant Navy, as well as WCS, each of which plays a role in fisheries control and surveillance efforts in the park. As a part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MAYUMBA, Gabon — Africa Partnership Station (APS) aboard high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) arrived and anchored off the coast here Feb. 25. Teams from Expeditionary Training Command (ETC), as well as representatives of the Navyâ€™s Meteorology and Oceanography community will train with the Gabonese Navy, Fisheries, National Parks, and Merchant Navy and the non-governmental organization (NGO) Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). As a part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through building transparent partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Bell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LIMBE, Cameroon — U.S. and Spanish marines practice punches with members of the Cameroonian Marine Corps Feb. 22. The Marines are martial arts instructors assigned to Africa Partnership Station onboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PRISTINA, Kosovo — Air Force Capt. Richard Barnhart, from Spangdahlem, Germany's 52nd Contracting Squadron, stands in front of the Kosovo Forces headquarters building at Film City, here. The captain, who is currently deployed to Kosovo, describes how the atmosphere feels in the capital city following the country's announcement of independence. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ACCRA, Ghana — Alex Vadis Teye, 9, admires the money donated by American military members in Africa to pay for his surgery. Alex visited the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana Feb. 22 to accept the donation that came from a response to his parents' plea for help. Alex suffers from hydrocephalus, a common birth defect which causes an excess of water in the brain. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Hodonou Motepke, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician, and native African, initiated a drive to raise the money to pay for Alex's surgery. This is Motepke's first trip back to Africa in 10 years. The U.S. military presence in Ghana is in support of U.S. President George Bush's visits to the continent. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ISONGO, Cameroon — Ensign Manooch Azizi, visit board search and seizure Training Team Leader for Africa Partnership Station (APS), stationed onboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), demonstrates proper cuffing techniques to members of the Cameroon Navy Feb. 25. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Air Force Staff Sgt. Kris Neal, 723rd Air Mobility Squadron aerial port expeditor team chief, marshals a 60K loader while offloading cargo here Feb. 7. The cargo movement is in support of Joint Task Force-Nomad Fire in Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Kelly LeGuillon) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ISONGO, Cameroon — Navy Ensign Manooch Azizi, visit board search and seizure Training Team Leader for Africa Partnership Station (APS), stationed onboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), demonstrates proper cuffing techniques to members of the Cameroon Navy Feb. 25. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAMAKO, Mali — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert Carr, U.S. European Command intelligence director (fourth from left), and Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward (center front), commander, U.S. Africa Command, stand with African officers during a visit to the first military intelligence basic officers course here Feb. 26. The students represent seven out of nine African partner nations involved in Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), which is sponsored by the Department of State. The Defense Department's program, Operation Enduring Freedom Trans-Sahara, augments the efforts of TSCTP with military operational activities such as military instruction and humanitarian assistance as a means to increase capacity for security and stability within the region. (Department of Defense photo by Jaime L. Wood) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ACCRA, Ghana — Two maintainers from the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron here take a break from the sun Feb. 16. The C-17A Globemaster's wing span provides 170 feet of shade. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Richard Bowen, noncommissioned officer in charge of maintenance, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Brendon Risken, a crew chief, are both from the 621st Contingency Response Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. European Command's Directorate for Strategy, Policy, and Assessments conducted the second annual USEUCOM-Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan Colonel's Working Group here Feb. 19-22. The working group is designed to bring key Azerbaijani officers from its Ministry of Defense together with key USEUCOM and component officers, as well as other pertinent assistance providers, to assess and refine security cooperation activities in support of the USEUCOM-Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan Work Plan for Security Cooperation. The work plan defines mutual objectives, implementation plans and assessment tools that serve to more effectively coordinate USEUCOM security cooperation efforts with Azerbaijan, and further assist Azerbaijan in achieving its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) objectives. The group also addressed priorities and developed planning guidance for component commands and other security assi Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CHISINAU, Republic of Moldova — U.S. Ambassador to Moldova Amb. Michael D. Kirby (left), Vice Prime Minister Victor Stepaniuc (center), and Robert L. Moore, U.S. European Command Deputy Director for Logisitcs and Security Assistance (right), join the Minister of Health, Ion Ababii, and other medical personnel at the re-opening ceremony for the Thermal Trauma Section of the Republican Trauma and Orthopedic Hospital here Feb. 21. The burn center of the hospital has undergone a two-year renovation, with the U.S. and Molodova governments teaming up to provide funding for new rooms and other needed supplies to get the hospital up to code. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Lt. Col. Frank Flores) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ACCRA, Ghana — Marine Lance Cpl. Grant Garab, security forces Marine with the 2nd Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Europe, 6th Platoon, leans in to hear a question from a student at a local school here Feb. 18. The U.S. Marines out of Rota Naval Air Station, Spain, visited the school to answer questions from the students and stress the importance of staying in school. U.S. Armed Forces members are in Accra as part of a joint task force providing infrastructure, aircraft and personnel in support of U.S. President George Bush's visits to Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia Feb. 16 to 21. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LOBITO, Angola — Navy Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Bradley Simmons (left), Electrician's Mate 1st Class Altoni Keeton (middle), and Engineman 1st Class William Hamilton (right), High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) crew members, stand watch with sound powered telephones on the port jet deck as a tug provides a security escort during the ship's arrival for an Africa Partnership Station visit Feb. 21. Swift is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Lobito. As a part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through building transparent partnerships. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. j.g. Megan Shutka) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Waddle inspects a multiplexor box that combines signals that go back and forth from the ground to aircraft. The digital systems technician deployed here last week with the 603rd Air Control Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy, in support of the President George W. Bush's five-nation visit to Africa. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Air Force Master Sgt. Terry Prime uses a kestrel to determine how a gathering thunderstorm could affect air operations at the Julius Nyerere International Airport Feb. 18. Prime deployed here from the 21st Operational Weather Squadron at Spangdhalem Air Base, Germany, as part of a multi-service team to support of President George Bush's five-nation visit. Pierce stated it was his fourth presidential support mission and third time in Africa, but this mission was special because of how friendly the Tanzanians have been. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BENGUELA, Angola — Navy Lt. Cmdr. Robert Brodie, executive officer of High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift, works alongside Angolan farmers during an Africa Partnership Station (APS) community relations project at a Cavaco Valley banana plantation Feb. 22. The project was coordinated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Angola. In addition to providing an opportunity to build friendships, the project was designed to introduce Sailors to local agricultural processes and issues, as well as USAID's ongoing agriculture development and finance program here. As a part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through building transparent partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Bell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LIMBE, Cameroon — Army Gen. William "Kip" Ward, Commander, United States Africa Command, departs the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) after visiting the ship and observing day-to-day operations for Africa Partnership Station (APS). Part of the U.S. Navyâ€™s Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PACIFIC OCEAN — A single modified tactical Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) launches from the U.S. Navy AEGIS cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) Feb. 20, 2008, successfully impacting a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite approximately 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) over the Pacific Ocean, as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 miles per hour. President George W. Bush decided to bring down the satellite because of the likelihood that the satellite could release hydrazine fuel upon impact, possibly in populated areas. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ACCRA, Ghana — Air Force Master Sgt. Kevin Coleman, Joint Task Force West weather craftsman, hands out toys to orphaned children at the Osu Children's Home here Feb. 18. Twenty-five Airmen visited the home to hand out more than 500 dollars worth of needy supplies they purchased through personal donations. The Airmen are part of a joint task force providing infrastructure, aircraft and personnel in support of U.S. President George Bush's visits to Benin, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Liberia Feb. 16 to 21. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Air Force Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop (center right) and Army Brig. Gen. Steve Lanza (center left), Joint Task Force - Nomad Fire commander and deputy commander respectively, receive a commander's update briefing on the daily operations of the activities associated with U.S. President George W. Bush's five-nation visit to Africa. JTF-NF was established to provide various support functions including for Air Force One as well as aeromedical support, command and control support, and helicopter support in Liberia. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ACCRA, Ghana — Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, a flying crew chief from the 437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Charleston AFB, S.C., signs off on refueling paperwork for a C-17A Globemaster Feb. 15 with Paul Adrah, supervisor with Total Petroleum Ghana Ltd. The Airman was part of the airlift team bringing people and equipment to various locations on the African continent in support of President George Bush's five-nation visit. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PACIFIC OCEAN — The USS Lake Erie (CG-70) launches a Standard Missile-3 at a non-functioning National Reconnaissance Office satellite as it traveled in space at more than 17,000 miles per hour over the Pacific Ocean on Feb. 20, 2008. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Air Force loadmaster Staff Sgt. Jeff Smith surveys the fuel trucks and a tow bar for offloading from a C-17 after arriving here Feb. 15. More than 20 C-17s missions brought in the necessary equipment and personnel to support the president's visit to Tanzania. Smith says he loves the traveling aspect of his job and is proud to support the president's mission to Africa. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania —Air Force Tech. Sgt. Billy Morris, contracting officer deployed here, arranges for a new boxed lunch provider Feb. 15 for the multiservice team deployed in support of President George Bush's five-nation visit to Africa. Air Force Master Sgt. Jim Martinez, the joint task force's eastern component finance officer, listens intently to any negotiations to analyze the costs. The two must work closely together to procure whatever goods the unit needs to accomplish their mission.(Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
KASENYI, Uganda — U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Leonard gives land navigation tips to Ugandan army soldiers before they head out to search the terrain for markers during a land navigation course on Forward Operating Location here, Feb. 13, 2008. Leonard is assigned to The Old Guard, 3rd Regiment, 1st Battalion, Delta Company, which is tasked with training Ugandan soldiers in a 16-week course. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SEKONDI, Ghana — Africa Partnership Station (APS) Sailors volunteer to load medical supplies gathered by Project Handclasp onto a supply truck here Feb. 13. APS later donated these supplies to the Ghanaian Navy Western Command's hospital. These supplies will then be utilized to treat Ghanaian military and civilian personnel. Part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in West and Central Africa. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
COMBAT OUTPOST CAHILL, Iraq — Soldiers from the 13th Georgian Light Infantry (LI)Battalion serve as the color guard during a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 10 at Combat Outpost (COP) Cleary, Iraq. The 13th Georgian LI Battalion assumed responsibility of COP Cleary and the Wehida area of operation from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, which had operated in Wehida since April. (Department of Defense photo by Army Sgt. Natalie Rostek) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TAKORADI, Ghana — Navy Chief Master-At-Arms Felix Rivera is handcuffed and checked for weapons by a student from the Ghanaian Port Authority here Feb. 12. Rivera is assigned to Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Security Training Assistance and Assessment Team (STAAT) Atlantic, Sigonella Det., traveling with Africa Partnership Station (APS) and teaching the Advanced Port Security course. As part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — U.S. Air Force members settle in here for a flight to Accra, Ghana, Feb. 12 in support of U.S. President George Bush's visit to the West African country scheduled for the upcoming weeks. The six-hour flight in a C-17A Globemaster out of Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., took the Airmen to join other Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who have deployed to provide forward operating support for the president's visit. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — U.S. Air Force firefighters participate in a mass casualty exercise here Feb. 4. During the exercise, 23 on-scene firefighters pulled 20 volunteers assigned to the First Term Airman's Center from a simulated burning building. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Senior Airman Melissa Sheffield) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TAKORADI, Ghana — Marines assigned to Africa Partnership Station (APS) began the first day of instruction in martial arts training for the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Ghanaian Army Feb. 8. Marine Staff Sgt. Franklin Davis helps a student practice uppercut punches. As part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
APOWA, Ghana — Navy band members aboard Africa Partnership (APS) perform a show for orphans at Orphan's Cry International orphanage Feb. 8. The show was part of a community relations project (COMREL) where U.S. Navy Seabees and volunteers fixed various problems around the orphanage. Some of the problems consisted of electrical dangers to children and constructing walls for a classroom. As part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS brings the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in West and Central Africa, to address common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eddie Harrison) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DOUALA, Cameroon — High speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) Sailors offload 27 pallets of food, medical supplies and hygiene products here as part of the Navy's Project Handclasp program Feb. 11. The bulk of the items, donated on behalf of Africa Partnership Station at the request of the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon, will support ongoing relief efforts for refugees from Chad in Cameroon by the Office of the United nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and WFP. Several pallets will also support programs of the non-governmental organization Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Delivery and transportation was made possible through the efforts of African Partnership Station. Commander Task Group 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board Fort McHenry and Swift to enhance cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services in West and Central Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. ( Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Lt. Gen. Laszlo Tombol, Hungarian Joint Forces Command commander, gets a closer look at the way the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron palletizes cargo for shipping during his tour of the squadron here Feb. 6. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Air Force Staff Sgts. Jason Martin and Brad Kessenich, 1st Combat Communications Squadron, prepare to move out to the training site here to participate in a Combat Communications Squadron (CBCS) Healthy Star exercise Feb. 5. The CBCS has quarterly exercises to help prepare for real world deployments. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MESSEL, Germany — U.S. Army Soldiers from 596th Maintenance Company help German army soldiers during weapons qualification training with M-16 rifles here Feb. 1, 2008. (Department of Defense photo by Martin Greeson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PRANJANI, Serbia — Members of the U.S. Embassy Marine Security Guard Detachment distributed school supplies to the students of the Ivo Andric Elementary School here on St. Sava Day, Jan. 27. St. Sava is the patron saint and founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and is the patron saint of education, medicine and of Serbian schools and schoolchildren. Over $1500 of school supplies were delivered to the 352 students. U.S. European Command donated $1000 toward the effort. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TE TUGU, Uganda — U.S. Army Maj. Becky Morris (center), the commander of Charlie Company, 486th Civil Affairs, and a coalition member (left), both from Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, walk with a member of Business Executives for National Security, during their visit to a displaced persons camp here Jan. 23. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Senior Airman Jacqueline Kabluyen) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — Air Force Airman Jerome Barrett (left), jots down coordinates of a long-range target given to him by his wingman Airman 1st Class Denys Zea during training here Jan. 30. Barrett and Zea are participating in the Creek Defender course held by the 786th Security Forces Squadron. The course covers an array of tactical training methods that security forces members will use in a deployed environment. Barrett and Zea are attached to the 569th Security Forces Squadron. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TONALE, Italy — Army Sgt. Margarita Gutierrez of U.S. Army Europe's 13th Military Police Company shovels snow on a shelter to provide some natural insulation from the cold, during a four-week U.S.-Italian winter survival training course in the Dolomite Mountains of northern Italy. (Department of Defense photo by Army Staff Sgt. David Hopkins) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Navy Lt. j.g. Phillip McCorvey and a member of the local Equatorial Guinea soccer team exchange soccer balls signed by the members of each team Feb. 1. Sporting events are one of the ways in which Africa Partnership Station (APS) is creating partnerships through West and Central Africa. As part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian Goyak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GULF OF GUINEA — Africa Partnership Station (APS) Sailors watch as landing craft utility (LCU) 1655 leads a formation of the Equatorial Guinea Navy behind the APS flagship, the dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), along the coast of Equatorial Africa Feb. 2 APS is part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries and to address the common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling and human trafficking. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class RJ Stratchko) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GRAFENWOEHR TRAINING AREA, Germany — Army Sgt. Eric Lewis, 72nd Signal Battalion of U.S. Army Europe's 5th Signal Command, raises a line-of-site antenna during the battalion's network exercise "Dragon Warrior" here. (Department of Defense photo by Army Sgt. Elizabeth Sheridan) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ATLANTIC OCEAN — Navy Mineman 2nd Class Matthew Rishovd monitors the descent of a solo float off of high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) Feb. 1, as part of Africa Partnership Stations (APS), to help the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) collect weather data that may help predict hurricanes and other inclement weather. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Merriam) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Air Foce Tech. Sgt. Sam Moore, Headquarters Air Mobility Command Mobile C2 Research and Integration Facility, positions the Global SATCOM GST-1800-TT very small aperture terminal into place using the antenna's auto track capability Jan. 25 here. The purpose of the Teleport Certification is to satisfy communications requirements and objectives of worldwide coverage and connectivity, interoperability, and responsiveness. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Amber Bressler) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy — Airmen practice the sequence for a Colors ceremony here Jan. 29. Aviano Air Base Honor Guard quarterly holds a week long training course to certify new Honor Guard members. This course allows Airmen to be certified quickly which greatly increases Honor Guard manning. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman 1st Class Ashley Wood) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LOME, Togo — Africa Partnership Station (APS) volunteers, Navy Mineman 1st Class Philip Phillips (right), and Mineman 2nd Class Matthew Rishovd, stack boxes of humanitarian items and food on to a truck here Jan. 29. The boxes are being shipped to malnourished children here, as part of Project Handclasp. Through APS and Project Handclasp, the high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) donated more than 100,000 meals while in Togo. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Elizabeth Merriam) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LOME, Togo — Navy Rear Adm. Anthony Kurta, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Director for Policy, Resources and Strategy, kicks out the first ball at a soccer game here Jan. 28. Members of the Togo 1st Infantry Regiment and Sailors from high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) came together to play as part of a partnership building effort of Africa Partnership Station during the Swifts first port call for APS. As a part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through building transparent partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Elizabeth Merriam) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GULF OF GUINEA — Landing Craft Utility (LCU 1655) and the Equatorial Guinea Navy follow in formation behind Africa Partnership Station (APS) flag ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) as they pass by the President of Equatorial Guinea's house Feb. 2. As part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS brings the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in West and Central Africa to address common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class RJ Stratchko) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROTA, Spain — Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handler 2nd Class Ryan Hernandez checks Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handler 2nd Class Keith Deskin's firefighting gear before conducting a burn exercise here Nov. 26, 2008. Both Sailors are assigned to the Naval Station Rota Fire Department and the training evolution officially opened Rota's new state-of-the-art fire training center, the first of its kind in Navy Region Europe. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cage) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Air Force Staff Sgt. Ed Lewis, 37th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, inspects the C-130 at a forward location before the mission. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
WIESBADEN, Germany — Kader Guerba (center), chief of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden's Environmental Division, discusses energy concerns with working group members during an Oekoprofit site visit to a Wiesbaden Army Airfield hangar. (Department of Defense photo by Anemone Rueger) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MALABO, Equatorial Guinea — Africa Partnership Station (APS), aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), was welcomed and escorted by an Equatorial Guinea Patrol Craft while pulling into port here, Jan. 31. The visit marks the first by a U.S. Navy ship in more than 15 years. As part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in West and Central Africa, to address common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class RJ Stratchko) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ANSBACH, Germany — Sandy Nunez-Miller and her son Christopher, observe a static display with resident Michael Butul of the Walburgisheim Von Feucht Kinderheim during the children's annual visit to U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach. (Department of Defense photo by Roland Toland) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...