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APS, Ghanaian Sailors Team Up For Hospital Restoration Project

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090309-11
Release Date: 3/9/2009 4:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter, Africa Partnership Station Nashville Public Affairs

SEKONDI, Ghana (NNS) -- Since Feb. 21, Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville Sailors have been working alongside Ghanaian Sailors to refurbish a wing of the Effia Nkwanta Hospital for a community relations (COMREL) project which will continue through USS Nashville's (LPD 13) 18-day port visit.

More than 30 Sailors have taken part in the COMREL so far which has seen Sailors nearly reconstruct the hospital wing. Before reconstruction of the wing could start, an extensive cleaning and clearing was needed.

"When I first walked in, it looked like the building had been abandoned for quite a long time," said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class William Herin. "We only had to barely touch the walls for the paint to fall off."

Before the wing was completed, the walls were re-painted, the floor re-tiled and new windows were put in. That, however, is not the only thing being built on the site, according to Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class Michael McFarland.

"When you are out working, rebuilding something, it gives you a sense of accomplishment that you have done something good," said McFarland. "Friendships are being made, and more importantly, we are creating a trust bond within the ranks of two nations that can be really important on future missions."

A stronger partnership was not the only accomplishment of the day, as the people of Sekondi have a newly refurbished hospital wing for sick patients.

"It's good to be helping this part of town because they need the help," said Ghanaian Leading Seaman Kofi Haizel. "They will put the new building to good use."

Nashville is currently deployed with APS, an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe and Naval Forces Africa which aims to work cooperatively with U.S. and international partners to improve maritime safety and security on the African continent. Nashville is focused on supporting the APS strategy in West and Central Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.