The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5) arrived in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea for a scheduled port visit, August 8-10, 2022.
The visit builds on the visit by USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) to Bata in August 2021 and reflects the U.S. commitment to strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
While in Malabo, Trenton welcomed a delegation from the Ministry of National Defense in a reception on August 8, where U.S. and Equatoguinean Sailors and maritime security personnel met and shared experiences. Additionally, on August 9, a friendly soccer match saw a victorious Equatoguinean side despite a hard-fought game from the U.S., which was followed by a dinner hosted by the Equatoguinean Ministry of National Defense.
“This is a great opportunity to continue building our partnership with Equatorial Guinea, as we work together to promote maritime security and regional stability in the Gulf of Guinea,” said Cmdr. Tim Rustico, officer in charge aboard USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5). “We are thankful to the people of Equatorial Guinea for their hospitality during this visit.”
The United States and Equatorial Guinea are working to build a partnership to promote maritime security.
“The USNS Trenton’s visit provided us with the opportunity to better understand our partner’s needs and to discuss shared objectives for future maritime security coordination. We are grateful for the warm welcome we received for this important event,” said Cmdr. Michael White, U.S. defense attaché to U.S Embassy Malabo.
Additionally, Equatorial Guinea participated in exercise Obangame Express in March 2022, which is the largest multinational maritime exercise in Western Africa. These types of exercises strengthen partnerships and allow countries to work more closely on shared transnational maritime challenges.
The U.S. shares a common interest with African partner nations in ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation on the waters surrounding the continent, because these waters are critical for Africa’s prosperity and access to global markets.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.