Robert G. Bradley Arrives in Valetta to Strengthen Partnership with Malta
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090410-05
Release Date: 4/10/2009 1:21:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Whitfield M. Palmer
VALETTA, Malta (NNS) -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Valetta April 9 for a theater-security-cooperation mission to strengthen the maritime partnership between the U.S. and Malta.
As the ship moored at the pier, Maltese sea cadets proudly hauled up the Maltese flag on the port yardarm of the ship. The flag of the host nation is traditionally flown on the yardarm of U.S. ships during port calls.
During the visit, the ship will host workshops with Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) service members and Maltese sea cadets including basic seamanship, flight deck operations, and watchstanding. The ship will also conduct flight operations and workshops on rigging for towing operations.
Sailors will participate in a community relations project involving the cleanup of a local beach. Additionally, crew members will teach and then play in a softball match with the Maltese sea cadets.
Prior to arriving in Malta, the ship welcomed aboard sea cadets from a local volunteer program sponsored by the United Kingdom that trains high school age students in basic seamanship as well as several AFM service members.
The ship also conducted flight operations with an AFM helicopter.
Robert G. Bradley, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility in support of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa. The ship has been on deployment since Nov. 21.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.
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