Robert G. Bradley Continues APS, Arrives in Dakar, Senegal

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darryl Wood, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

DAKAR, Senegal (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Dakar, Senegal, April 20, for its second multinational exercise during Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.

Saharan Express is an APS exercise focused on improving the communications and interoperability of West African countries to counter narcotics trafficking and proliferation.

APS 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.

"Saharan Express will be a great opportunity for our boarding team and search and rescue (SAR) team to evaluate and train with our African partners" said Lt. j.g. James Carles, Robert G. Bradley boarding officer. "This exercise will further expand the maritime security of all the participating partner nations."

During the exercise, Robert G. Bradley Sailors will conduct SAR operations with the Cape Verde navy. They will also conduct office calls, give tours of the ship, hold a reception onboard and conduct a military-to-military community relations project with Cape Verde navy.

Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.