As part of the visit, the U. S. European Command and Commander Naval Forces Europe (CNE) will jointly host a workshop under the theme "Maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea" in Accra to bring together leaders from the region and experts in the field of maritime safety and security, to share information, exchange ideas, and build effective peer networking among the African professionals.

The workshop will include participants from 11 African countries, senior representatives from several regional and international organizations, US government representatives and observers from six European nations.

Captain Peter Pagano said the visit is to build mutual relationships between US and Africa and also strengthen emerging partnerships with them.

Briefing the media at Tema harbor on Tuesday he said it is their privilege to be in Ghana since this is their first visit to the country. "Africans are nice people and very welcoming" he said.

In a related development, thirty sailors from, the USS Carr and volunteers from B.L. Harbert Ghana Limited have jointly given the DuBois Centre for Culture a befitting face-lift by re-painting the buildings and beautifying it surroundings.

The project included the re-painting of the building formerly used by Dr. N.B. DuBois as living quarters and working space during the last years of his life as well as the beautification of the surrounding areas.

The renovation project was partially facilitated through coordination and technical assistance from the US Department of State's Office for overseas building operations.

Ms Pamela Bridgewater, US Ambassador in Ghana, and Professor George Hagan, Chairman of the National Commission on Culture were at hand to witness the exercise.

Mr. Pete Pagano, Cammander of the USS Carr, said the DuBois Centre renovation was the latest in a series of community relations effort by sailors from the USS Carr on their tour through the Gulf of Guinea. He said the project would also strengthen the already existing cordial relations between the US Navy and their Ghanaian counterparts.

Navy Petty Officer, Chad Keiffer hailed the effort "as a great opportunity to give back to a country that has welcome us with open arms".

The USS Carr is currently on a six-month deployment and working with the submarine tender the Emory S. Land in the waters of West Africa to develop emerging partnerships to promote stability in the Sub-Region.