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Course Strengthens U.S., Nigeria Maritime Relationship

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090617-10
Release Date: 6/17/2009 3:31:00 PM

By Cmdr. John Jenista, Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity International Training Center Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- In an effort to strengthen maritime relationships and improve international operations, the first international maritime enlisted leadership and development assistance (IMELDA) class graduated May 28 in Pensacola.

The course was presented by the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA), and the Commanding Officer Capt. Ed Turner presided over the event.

The IMELDA program was created to provide the U.S. Navy's international partner nations with the necessary support to strengthen and enhance professional development and leadership skills of junior and senior enlisted international members.

The first two international graduates, both from Nigeria, completed the initial junior enlisted course along with 10 U.S. Navy Sailors from Naval Air Technical Training Center who volunteered to assist in certifying the start-up course.

The IMELDA course included topics in computer literacy, leadership and core values, communication and interpersonal management skills, physical fitness and team building, staff supervision, instructional management, rule of law and basic human rights principles.

The students took part in many activities outside the classroom that provided them the opportunity to view American society, institutions and goals.

They were also challenged to put what they learned in the classroom to the test through participation in the leader's challenge course. The course is designed to enhance leadership skills and decision making abilities through a series of scenarios that requires teamwork and individual commitment to succeed.

The IMELDA program will continue with an initial convening of the senior enlisted leadership course in October 2009.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.