AFRICOM Commander Visits Sailors, African Partners

By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

LOME, Togo (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) spoke to African partners and U.S. Sailors aboard USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) Feb. 7, during the first of many port visits of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.

Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward spoke about the importance of the APS mission during an all-hands call aboard the Robert G. Bradley flight deck.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of the job you are doing with all of the partners involved in the APS mission," said Ward. "The work you do here embodies the true meaning of 'partnership' and the relationships we are building with African nations. I thank you for your commitment, your hard work and dedication to making this a successful start to the APS mission."

Ward closed his speech by talking about the positive effect APS has on bilateral relations between the U.S. and African countries.

Before departing, Ward met with senior leadership, toured the ship and presented two USS Robert G. Bradley Sailors with awards.

"On behalf of the crew, I would like to thank General Ward for taking the time to visit Robert G. Bradley," said Cmdr. Darryl Brown, USS Robert G. Bradley commanding officer. "His enthusiasm for the APS mission was very motivating to all on board and shows that the hard work we are putting in APS West is being noticed."

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