By Petty Officer 1st Class Monique K. Hilley
USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs  Print     Share  

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, at sea - The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) approaches Cape Town, South Africa, on October 4, 2008. This is the first port visit by an American aircraft carrier since 1967 and is part of an ongoing effort between South Africa and the United States to strengthen military-to-military relationships and address maritime issues. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Laird)

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, at sea, 

Oct 4, 2008 — Ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, on October 4, 2008, as part of an ongoing effort to reinforce relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime issues.

"The U.S. Navy is committed to strengthening partnerships with South Africa, and this visit provides a welcome chance to advance our relationship," said Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe. "Our nations share a mutual interest in safeguarding the maritime environment, which plays a critical role in today's global economy."

The ships hosted formal visits, regional security cooperation activities, military-to-military exchanges, and participated in a variety of community relations activities. Senior officers from the ships conducted office calls with South African government and military leaders to discuss maritime safety and security.

"The South African government has invited us to visit Cape Town, and we are grateful for the opportunity," said Rear Admiral Frank Pandolfe, Commander of Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "We look forward to strengthening the relationship with the South African Navy."

The Theodore Roosevelt visit to Cape Town marked the first time a U.S. carrier has visited South Africa in more than 40 years. The last carrier to visit South Africa was the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1967.