Building upon relationships and trust with the host nation, deployed Sailors assigned to Command Task Group (CTG) 68.6 conducted an eight-week physical training (PT) instruction program for Djiboutian navy sailors in Djibouti City and onboard Camp Lemonnier.

The instruction provided by CTG 68.6 command fitness leaders (CFLs) demonstrated how the U.S. Navy conducts physical fitness training and provided guidance on how to lead a forces-wide physical fitness program.

"During our initial meetings with the Djiboutian navy, they expressed an interest in establishing an organized PT program, and we put a plan together," said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Robert Wyman, anti-terrorism officer for CTG 68.6.

CTG 68.6 Sailors went to the Djiboutian navy base in Djibouti City for the initial instruction session while follow-on training was conducted onboard Camp Lemonnier. The hour-long weekly exercise instruction routines consisted of cardio training, calisthenics and muscle stretching followed by a group breakfast.

Djiboutian navy sailor Cpl. Ali Moumin Djama, who participated in the training, said it will be continued in his unit.

"When we completed the training there at Camp Lemonnier, we did it again at our base for our members," said Djama. "It's a new thing, and we will improve and develop the techniques."

Since commencing the physical training instruction, the Djiboutian navy has introduced a fleet-wide physical training program. In addition, three Djiboutian command fitness leaders are leading and managing the fitness program for more than 200 Djiboutian sailors.

Col. Abdourahman Aden Cher, commander of the Djiboutian navy, has not only mandated the entire Djiboutian navy conduct physical fitness but is also participating in the workouts himself.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Gular, a CFL for CTG 68.6 and one of the Sailors who led the training, stressed its importance for Djiboutian navy.

"This has helped the local forces by allowing them to stand up their own PT program," Gular said. "Hopefully, in the future, the initial group of fitness leaders we taught can further expand their knowledge of navy fitness and in return train others at their command [on] the importance of physical readiness and how it is paramount to your military career."

Increased fitness should lead to faster response times and endurance should an emergency arise, a benefit for both the U.S. and Djiboutian militaries, he said.

In addition, the joint training provided a platform for sailors from the two nations to interact personally and further develop working relationships, improving cohesion and, ultimately, maritime security.

"[It] goes a long way in creating mutual respect when working together," Wyman said. "When we are protecting U.S. shipping in the port of Djibouti and our Sailors on the water know the Djiboutian sailors, it improves communication and response time to an emergency and both agencies have much better situational awareness."

To enhance the skills of the Djiboutian sailors who will be managing their navy's fitness program, CTG 68.6 CFLs will continue to provide the physical training instruction sessions -- one of many initiatives aimed at enhancing mission readiness while building partnership and trust between the two nations.

CTG 68.6 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and conducts joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.