The USS Doyle, a ship of the U.S. Navy, made a port call to Conakry, Guinea, June 21-22, to enhance relations in the region.  The Embassy public affairs section (PAS) joined forces with the Embassy defense attaché (DATT) and a public affairs officer from U.S. European Command (USEUCOM PAO) to conduct media training of the Guinean general staff, interviews of USEUCOM PAO by independent media outlets and the national radio and television network, extensive media coverage of the ship arrival, a friendly soccer match between the U.S. Navy and a Guinean youth squad, and a tour of the vessel for the media and Guinean VIPs, which culminated in a rare interview of the top Guinean military officers by the Guinean independent media. 

The Minister of Defense and Chief of Naval Operations were interviewed on board USS Doyle by independent Guinean media, a first for the Chief of Naval Operations. The captain of the Doyle also answered questions from journalists. The USEUCOM PAO Lt. Commander Barker accompanied PAO Andrew McLean to independent media outlets and private radio stations to distribute the press release announcing the port visit of the Doyle.  The PAOs answered questions from the journalists on the port visit.  These interviews were an excellent opportunity to enhance the relationship of the Mission with the Guinean media, particularly the independent media.  It also gave the independent journalists exposure to the U.S. military and increased their understanding of the U.S. Navy and American culture.

The captain of the Doyle afforded the Guinean media a rare opportunity to tour the vessel and to speak to members of his crew, both officers and enlisted personnel.  This was not only informative for the media about the purpose of the visit and the operations of the U.S. Navy; it also gave a glimpse into American society.  The media met a multi-racial, multi-ethnic crew of men and women.  They saw that the enlisted personnel were given significant responsibilities over the ship's weapons systems and on the bridge. The media seemed particularly incredulous at the youth of so many of the crew who held so much responsibility.

Despite being out to sea for several months and undoubtedly tired from the arduous voyage and the chaotic nature of bringing a ship into port, the crew was very open to engaging the Guinean people and putting America's best foot forward.