An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News
NEWS | July 20, 2022

USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5) arrives in Mindelo, Cabo Verde

By U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Public Affairs

The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5) arrived in Mindelo, Cabo Verde for a brief stop for logistics during a scheduled port visit, July 20, 2022.

This port visit marks the first stop in Africa while conducting operations in U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) area of operations and employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet.

"This port visit to Mindelo allows us to load logistics needed for at sea operations," said Cmdr. Christopher Ronnander, officer in charge aboard USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5). "My crew is very excited for the opportunity to experience the culture and make a positive impact during our time here."

Cabo Verde is an important partner of the United States in promoting peace and security in Africa. NAVAF ships routinely operates in the southern Atlantic with partners to support African-led maritime security initiatives.

In April, as part of the African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP), the U.S. and African maritime forces, led by Cabo Verde, worked in coordination with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N), the International Police (INTERPOL), and Cabo Verde's national Maritime Operations Center (COSMAR) to conduct a compliant boarding of a fishing vessel, which led to the seizure of approximately 6,000 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $350 million.

In January, USCGC Thetis (WMEC 910) visited Praia to meet with leaders from the U.S. embassy and Cabo Verdean Coast Guard.

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.