ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 20, 2011) - The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Forward (WMEC 911) prepares to lower one of the ship's small boats to the water while a Senegalese patrol boat waits alongside for the boat crew to transfer their captain to the Forward for a planning meeting onboard the cutter off the coast of Senegal as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). 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)