USS Nashville to make final deployment

NORFOLK, Va. - The amphibious transport ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) will leave Norfolk on its final deployment Thursday morning.

According to a U.S. Navy statement, the ship will depart at 9:00 a.m. to participate in Africa Partnership Station (APS), the biggest maritime partnership program ever in Africa.

APS is designed as an international security cooperation initiative led by U.S. Naval Forces Africa. Its goal is to improve maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.

The program is not designed to combat maritime problems such as piracy, the Navy statement said, but rather to build the professional skills and capabilities of African nations, allowing them to make their waters safer and more secure.

The USS Nashville has a crew of more than 400 sailors and can carry more than 900 marines. It was commissioned for service in February, 1970.