USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, March 7, 2011, as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.

The ship will embark African partners in order to conduct professional exchanges that build maritime safety and security in Africa.

"Training events will focus on a broad range of areas, including maritime domain awareness, leadership, search and rescue," said Captain Susan Dunlap, Africa regional engagement group director for U.S. Naval Forces Africa, the maritime component of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).

Commander Darryl Brown, commanding officer, stated that Robert G. Bradley is functioning as a mobile university, moving from port to port to provide training and long-term collaboration between U.S. and international partners.

"Because of that, we are able to offer tailored training and achieve common goals through working together," said Brown.

APS 2011 started in Lome, Togo, February 1, and will consist of seven U.S. ships, engage 22 African partners and involve more than 7,000 maritime professionals.

"APS is an active symbol of the strong relationship between our two nations," said Michael S. Owen, U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone. "It’s an opportunity to share resources and create learning opportunities that will build skills, bolster regional security and promote future cooperation."