USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) welcomed the commander of U.S. Africa Command onboard during a port visit in Dakar, Senegal, April 20, 2011.

General Carter F. Ham visited Robert G. Bradley to thank the crew for their dedication to the Africa Partnership Station (APS) West mission.

During the visit, he met with Robert G. Bradley's senior leadership, toured the ship and addressed the crew during an all-hands call, commenting on the importance of their mission in Africa.

"What you're doing each and every day helps build the capacity of the navies and coast guards in West Africa," said Ham during the all-hands call. "You are helping them build their maritime awareness and their patrolling abilities, hereby increasing their maritime security for years to come."

He continued talking about the difference the crew is making, and how working together with other militaries will improve their own.

"You should have no doubt about the difference you are making each and every day," said Ham.

"By making the African militaries better, you make our own military better and that is a pretty significant accomplishment."

Commander Darryl Brown, commanding officer of Robert G. Bradley, thanked Ham and his staff for the support the crew continues to receive during their APS West deployment.

"It is a welcomed privilege to have AFRICOM visit the Bradley," said Brown. "It really punctuates the importance of our mission."

Robert G. Bradley has currently made 11 APS West port visits, embarked 24 Ship Riders from partner African countries, participated in five community relations projects, and conducted 26 ship tours. They have also sent essential training teams ashore during each port visit, and participated in several military-to-military sporting events in an effort to further cooperation and build upon cultural understanding.

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.

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