USS Robert G. Bradley in Senegal for Africa Partnership Station Exercise

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) -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Dakar, Senegal, for its second multinational exercise on its Africa Partnership Station (APS) West deployment, April 20.

Bradley is in Dakar to participate in Exercise Saharan Express 2011, which begins with a pre-sail conference, April 25.

Saharan Express 2011 is a multinational exercises focused on improving the communications and interoperability of West African countries to counter narcotics trafficking and proliferation.

Through joint cooperation efforts, Africa's growing maritime capabilities ensure regional security and stability. APS Bradley continues to enhance the regional capabilities in West and Central Africa by helping to build maritime professionals and international partnerships.

Robert G. Bradley will also conduct a search-and-rescue (SAR) exercise with the Cape Verde navy. The SAR exercise will include a command platform, an air search helicopter and surface search small boats. This training is essential in establishing safety to a country's coastal waters by providing a rapid and effective rescue force.

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

Robert G. Bradley's visit to Dakar will include a military-to-military community relations (COMREL) project, office calls to prominent officials, tours of the ship and a reception held on board.

USS Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to West and Central Africa.

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.