As the end of October, 2008 approaches, crew members of the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) prepare for what will be, perhaps, the most unique deployment of their naval careers.

Bradley will depart its homeport of Mayport, Florida near the end of November for a routinely scheduled deployment to assist U.S. Africa Command in conducting theater security cooperation missions to help African nations improve their security capacity.

The crew will also train African military forces in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations. VBSS teams are tasked with boarding and securing suspect vessels, conducting searches, obtaining intelligence and detaining persons of interest. Bradley's VBSS teams will help train African security forces and naval boarding teams to help them deter piracy.

In addition to conducting training events, service members will participate in community relations opportunities to strengthen the partnership between the United States and African nations.

Commander Clint Carroll, Bradley's commanding officer, recently spoke of the ship's upcoming mission during a commanding officer's call, during which he answered questions and reminded sailors of the importance of the mission they would undertake.

Following a successful pre-deployment training cycle, crew members of USS Robert G. Bradley await the opportunity to support U.S. Africa Command in increasing the security capacity of African nations.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c2f/.