Commander, US 6th Fleet Meets South African Partners

Courtesy Photo | Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet, meets with Rear Adm. Phillip Shoultz, South African fleet commander, during his visit to meet with senior South African and U.S. military leadership. While in Simon’s Town, Harris visited South African Naval Base Simon’s Town and held an all-hands call aboard USS Robert G. Bradley. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Jamieson/RELEASED)  

SIMON’S TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

02.14.2011

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Jamieson
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

SIMON’S TOWN, South Africa — Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet, spoke to South African and U.S. sailors aboard USS Stephen W. Groves, during a port call in Simon’s Town, South Africa, Feb. 14.

Harris’ remarks focused on the importance of continued cooperation between South African and U.S. naval forces.

“The alliance and friendship between South Africa and the United States continues to flourish,” said Harris. “It is a partnership that commits us to build a better future.”

Harris also highlighted the importance of the shared mission of South African and United States navies by saying, “I want to pause and reflect on the unrest that is occurring in the region. For me, this underscores why the friendship and coalition between many countries, such as South Africa and the United States, is so important.”

Stephen W. Groves has recently begun joint-military operations with South African Heroine-class submarine, SAS Charlotte Maxeke and a training symposium on maritime interception operations. Harris went on to mention that these operations were possible because of the vision South Africa and the United States share.

“South Africa and the United States have worked very hard in the past couple decades on important regional and global matters,” said Harris. “Whether we’re shoulder to shoulder while conducting military exercises or working together to train our sailors, ours is a partnership that will help conquer the evils of the world.”

Stephen W. Groves, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment.

• Date Taken: 02.14.2011
• Date Posted: 02.15.2011 08:41
• Story ID: 65460
• Location: SIMON’S TOWN, ZA