U.S. seeks to woo Africans with naval diplomacy

By Daniel Flynn

DAKAR (Reuters) - As it steams down the West African coast, the USS Fort McHenry faces one of its toughest battles: to convince sceptical Africans their continent can benefit from more U.S. military involvement.

The 600-foot (185-metre) ship, which saw combat in the first Gulf War, is embarking on a six-month mission to train West African navies to fight drug smuggling and maritime security threats in a region which supplies nearly a fifth of U.S. oil imports, rivalling the Middle East.

Once a rarity, U.S. warships will become a familiar sight in the Gulf of Guinea under the new African Partnership Station (APS) scheme launched last week. Washington will maintain a constant naval presence in the strategically important region, providing training and humanitarian aid.

"In the past, we have been guilty of what some would call episodic engagement," said Captain John Newell, head of U.S. navy operations in Africa, on the Fort McHenry's towering bridge. "Now, the idea behind the Africa Partnership Station is that it is a persistent presence."

"It's not only about maritime security and safety but also building relationships and partnerships," he said.

The mission is the first since the United States launched its African military command (Africom) last month amid concerns voiced by diplomatic heavyweights South Africa and Nigeria, which fear an attempt to enforce Washington's policies.

Since 2002, the United States has garrisoned 1,800 troops in Djibouti to counter terrorist threats in the Horn of Africa, but Africa remained a backwater under the European military command.