USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Luanda, Angola, for a port visit as part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) West mission, March 29, 2011.

While in Angola, Robert G. Bradley will host ship tours, office calls, a military to military sporting event and a reception with music provided by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band.

"After completing our most recent APS Hub in Sierra Leone, we are looking forward to a Theater Security Cooperation visit in Angola" said Commander Darryl Brown, commanding officer USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49). "Our presence in Angola will serve to strengthen the relationship between our two countries."

Robert G. Bradley sailors will also exchange professional military knowledge with host country's military during their visit.

"The various training opportunities I have been able to participate in during Africa Partnership Station has opened my eyes as to how other navies work and operate on a daily basis," said Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan O'Hara. "Being able to go ashore to work and train directly with our host nation's military has been one of the greatest experiences I have had. The areas covered in training help immensely with the day to day operation of each navy, to better their situational awareness of coastal and territorial waters, as well as providing the basis for a more successful Search and Rescue."

While the U.S. Navy has conducted training during routine deployments in West Africa for years, the focus of APS is increasing African maritime capabilities and capacity, and promoting economic prosperity and stability. Bradley's dedication to this mission is visible by its crews' commitment.

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.

Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Florida, and is on a scheduled APS deployment to the West Coast of Africa.