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Samuel B. Roberts Crew Honors US Ambassador to Tanzania

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110805-10
8/5/2011

By Lt. Cmdr. Suzanna Brugler, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (NNS) -- The U.S. ambassador to Tanzania was honored with a reception aboard guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) during a port visit in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East´s Tanzania hub Aug. 2.

Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt was hosted by the ship´s commanding officer, Cmdr. Angel Cruz, and his crew at a reception of embassy officials, foreign dignitaries and military guests on the ship´s flight deck.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, Resources and Plans, Rear Adm. Kenneth K.J. Norton was the senior U.S. Navy official present to hear the ambassador speak on APS engagement.

After a brief introduction by the ship´s captain, the former two-star Army general thanked his hosts and then addressed the guests in a speech about how important APS has become to the region.

"In recent years we have all come to understand what is meant by maritime security and the harmful consequences of the lack of such security," said Lenhardt. "As you all know, East African nations have learned bitter lessons on this subject. Both coastal and inland states have seen their vital trade links threatened as ships bearing goods to and from the region have come under attack from seaborne criminals."

He then went on to explain how APS is helping to bring maritime stability to the region.

"This is no easy task due to the complexity of these issues. Fortunately, the United States and Tanzanian navies are establishing solid and unwavering cooperation to confront these challenges. One of the primary examples of this cooperation is Africa Partnership Station."

Lenhardt thanked the U.S. Navy for their cooperation and outreach in engaging Tanzania through providing maritime education and training. He went on to emphasize that APS is only successful because of the close partnership fostered with the Tanzanian navy.

"Let me emphasize: the only reason we are able to accomplish this success is because of our close partnership with the Tanzanian navy, and our mutual commitment to conduct training and critical operations," said Lenhardt.

"The Tanzanian People's Defense Force navy's assistance and cooperation is essential to establishing a solid and ever-growing maritime security program in East Africa. For that, I am indeed grateful for the men and women of the Tanzanian navy and their commitment to being our strong and supportive partner in this vital region of the world."

After the ambassador´s speech, the ship's junior officers took reception guests on tours of the ship.

Roberts will continue its APS deployment with further training stops in the East Africa region when it departs Tanzania.

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