Press Releases
U.S.S. Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49)
U.S.S. Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) VISIT
February 1, 2011
PRESS RELEASE
A frigate of the U.S. Navy, (FFG 49) arrived at the port of Lome Tuesday, February 1, 2011 as another sign of the relationship between the United States and Togo. This is the fourth visit of a US Navy ship under the banner of Africa Partnership Station (APS). The U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Togo, Ms. Ellen B Thorburn, the highest ranking officer of the Togolese Armed Forced (FAT) as well as the port authorities welcomed the ship.
Commodore Shaffer, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 60 and APS West Commander, arrived with USS Robert G. Bradley and will be meeting with top Togolese military authorities. These talks include a meeting with the Chief of Staff of the FAT, Gen Titikpina, and the Chief of Staff of the Togolese Navy, Colonel Ametepe. They will discuss maritime training and further cooperation.
The Africa Partnership Station (APS) is a multi-national initiative created by the U.S. Navy in response to requests from African nations for assistance in improving maritime security. Threats such as unlawful fishing, piracy, illegal drugs, arms and human trafficking, oil smuggling, environmental destruction, and illegal immigration jeopardize economic development and long-term stability and create opportunities for organized crime, extremism, and terrorism to flourish. Africa Partnership Station represents a shared vision for improving maritime safety and security in Africa.
During this visit, several members of the military from Togo, Benin, and Ghana will have classroom instruction onboard the Bradley and ashore. The participants will further expand their skills and be introduced to new ones, as well as, encourage mutual understanding. A certificate-giving ceremony will be held at the Naval Base of Lome February 15, 2011.
The crew members of USS Robert G. Bradley will participate in diverse community activities including sports and cultural exchanges with their Togolese counterparts and the local population. They will visit, clean and paint the prenatal wing of Tokoin Hospital and work with the humanitarian NGO, Terres des Hommes. A media event will take place Thursday, February 3 at the hospital.
U.S. Navy Forces Europe Band based in Naples, Italy, arrived in Lome to support the ship visit. The band has performances scheduled at the Protestant college, several lycees and at the headquarters of FETAPH, (Togolese Federation of Associations for Persons with Disabilities), and at Village d'Enfants SOS of Lome February 4 and 5. The band will also play February 7 and 8 in the Central Region.
The USS Robert G Bradley (FFG 49) is an Oliver Hazard Perry class ship. The frigate is named after Lieutenant Robert G Bradley (1921-1944) who was awarded a posthumous Naval Force Cross distinction for his heroism on board the « USS Princeton (CG 59)» during the Golf Leyte battle. Built in 1982 and launched in 1984, the ship is 140 meters long, 15 meters large, 7 meters deep. Its speed is 30 knot. USS Robert G. Bradley is equipped with a torpedo launcher, machine guns, and one missile launching pad.
USS Robert G. Bradley will depart the pier of Lome later this month.