While attending the Humanitarian Development Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command Commanding Officer Capt. Frank Hughlett met with Mr. Lee Brudvig, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Kenya, to discuss U.S. - Africa relations in the context of military-delivered civic assistance programming. To date, MCAST Command has conducted both Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Force Assistance operations within the East African nation. In July of this year Maritime Civil Affairs Team 205 teamed with members of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and local Kenyans to refurbish the Gadeni Elementary School in the Tana River District. During the dedication ceremony Mr. Brudvig likened Kenya to a "keystone state," given its proximity to Somalia and thus strategic importance in the stability of the region. Strong interagency relationships are essential to MCAST Command success in delivering Maritime Security services in any region, but particularly in Africa given increasing focus on its economic and social development.