Mozambican Marines joined sailors with the USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) to practice Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and small boat operations techniques, February 10, 2009 as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS).

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe - Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

The ship's VBSS team delivered presentations on theory, tactics, techniques, and procedures for Mozambican troops.

"The training is rewarding for us because the guys take the training very seriously," said Ensign Joshua Cowart, Bradley's boarding officer. "We are teaching them to be safer and how to protect their country."

Following the presentations, Bradley's boatswain's mates and quartermasters reviewed and practiced small boat handling techniques and basic navigation principles with Mozambican Marines and conducted a simulated compliant boarding with two Mozambican rigid hull inflatable boats onto Bradley.

The ship and its crew are currently making the first ever APS port visit to Mozambique.

"We welcome more training," said Carlos Francisco, a 1st lieutenant with the Mozambican Marines. "We've been trained well by our guests, and everything is becoming clear to us. We are grateful for the American spirit of giving and welcome more training in the future."