Reception on US Navy Ship Bradley (17 Dec 08)

Honorable Ministers of Government,
Commander and Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces,
Major General Alfred Claude Nelson-Williams
IMATT Commander, Brigadier Jonathan Powe
Brigadiers and Commanders of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and Other Forces here present
Members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations
Members of Press
Ladies and Gentlemen

We’re pleased to welcome the leadership and crew of the Robert G. Bradley to the Sierra Leone and thank each of them for this very important, practical and symbolic anchoring in the waters of Sierra Leone, a nation so closely tied to the history of the United States.

The Bradley is the first US Navy ship to Sierra Leone.  I think it is most fitting that we have the honor to receive a ship named after such an illustrious American hero. 
Lieutenant Robert Graham Bradley served on the Pacific Front during World War II, on a ship called the Princeton.  When the Princeton was attacked, Lieutenant Bradley led the effort to control the fires until intense heat forced him to fall back.  After ensuring that no wounded men had been left behind, Bradley followed his men into the water and was picked up by another ship.

A few hours later, Bradley rejoined his ship and the efforts to save her, but the flames touched off a mass explosion, which blew off the carrier's stern, killing Bradley and his men.
This kind of outstanding fortitude, valor, and self-sacrifice in pursuit of a greater good is what drives so many Americans, and we are proud to share that ideal with the people of Sierra Leone.

Over the next few days, we hope that the people of Sierra Leone and the sailors aboard the Bradley will have the opportunity to interact, to learn from each other, and to share
those common ideals.

Working in concert, we are confident that Sierra Leone can protect its coastal waters by combating issues like drug trafficking and piracy, enforcing sustainable fishing practices, and enhance capabilities for search and rescue missions.

Over the last five years, Sierra Leone has made tremendous progress in moving from a
country with active conflict, porous borders, and a complete lack of national security to a country committed to the safety of its citizens.  The United States is proud to have helped in that process.  Our practical courses have shared the expertise we've gained through
past experience.  Our donations of equipment help to ensure that your soldiers and sailors have the tools to meet today's challenges.  Our HIV/AIDS Prevention program helps to safeguard the future health of the RSLAF and of all Sierra Leoneans.

In cooperation with the RSLAF, we are strongly committed to helping to keep the citizens of Sierra Leone safe and secure.  We are pleased to welcome the Bradley here as a symbol of that commitment and we look forward to similar visits in the future.

We also thank our guests for joining us this evening aboard the USS Bradley.