South_African_na

SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 10, 2011) – The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29), participates in joint-submarine exercises with the South African navy Heroine-class submarine SAS Charlotte Maxeke (S-102) off the coast of South Africa as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East. APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Jamieson/Released, via Wikimedia Commons)