U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Brandon Blackmon (front of boat), of 2nd Platoon, Ground Combat Element, Security Cooperation Task Force, provides front security for the Marines and Senegalese commandos of a combat rubber raiding craft as they conduct beach assault training exercise during Africa Partnership Station 2011 in Senegal on April 17, 2011. Africa Partnership Station is an international security cooperation initiative facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.