USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) became the first U.S. Navy ship to anchor in Bata, Equatorial Guinea on January 15, 2009 ,as part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) initiative.

APS is a an ongoing U.S. Navy-led multinational effort aimed at strengthening emerging partnerships in West and Central Africa to increase regional and maritime safety and security.

"APS is a year-round ongoing effort and this is a great opportunity to continue the program and the U.S. Navy's long-term commitment to our partners," said Commander Clinton A. Carroll, commanding officer of Robert G. Bradley. "The crew just completed a great visit to Malabo and is ready to work with other members of the military here in Bata. We're building relationships that are the bedrock of maritime safety and security in the region."

While Bradley is the first U.S. Navy ship to pull into Bata, there have been other ship visits to Equatorial Guinea; to include the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) which visited the capital, Malabo, in 2008.

During the visit, Bradley crew members will conduct workshops on damage control, firefighting and automated identification system with local military members promoting maritime safety and security.

In addition to training, crewmembers will host a flight deck reception for distinguished Equatorial Guinean visitors in order to develop relationships and promote regional cooperation between Equatorial Guinea and the United States.