Marines with Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task ForceAfrica Partnership Station 10 arrived in Ghana, March 9, to begin their original mission after being redirected to Haiti to participate in Operation Unified Response.
Marines with the SCMAGTF are participating in a military-to-military familiarization event with the Ghanaian Army designed to increase interoperability with U.S. and its partner nation’s ability to conduct security, stabilization and humanitarian assistance.
Both Spanish and Portuguese Marines will be working along U.S. troops during the training.
“We are here to integrate with the activities of the Marines,” said Capt. Sergio Oyon, commander of the Spanish Marines attached to the SCMAGTF. “I am happy we are making many friends here. It’s not just about working, it’s about forming good relations. This enriches our service and helps to improve it.”
Marines debarked USS Gunston Hall for the port of Tema and subsequent movement, arriving at the training base in the evening. They had just enough time to set up camp before a huge downpour drenched the area. It was the first rainfall in Ghana in five months.
“I actually enjoyed the rain,” said Cpl. Taber A. Young, an amphibious assault vehicle crew chief. “It was a motivating experience; I just hope it doesn’t rain again.”
Ghana is the first of three African countries where the SCMAGTF will be conducting theater security cooperation events. After several mission changes and months at sea, Marines are happy to finally be doing what they trained for.
“I don’t like the bugs, but it’s been an eye opening experience to see this part of the world ,” said Young.
Marines will spend three weeks in Ghana before splitting up to continue working with partner nations’ militaries in Senegal and Liberia.