African Partnership Station, US Coast Guard Photo

DAKAR, Senegal (July 22, 2011) - Ensign Ryan Thomas, from Coast Guard Cutter Forward (WMEC 911), (LEFT) talks with the captain of a Senegalese navy patrol boat to help coordinate the escort of two fishing vessels back to port due to fisheries violations as part of a mission during African Partnership Station (APS) 2011. APS aims to strengthen global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Etta Smith/RELEASED)