Ensign Joe Keiley
Military Sealift Command-chartered High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) continues their role in Africa Partnership Station (APS) 2012 in Tanzania marking their third East African port visit in the last three weeks. The port stop began June 23.
The crew participated in classroom engagements and community service projects in the Mozambique ports of Nacala and Maputo prior to arriving in Dar es Salaam.
Swift’s Civilian Master, Capt. Rhett Mann and Military Detachment Officer-in-charge, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Eaton met with Maj. Gen. Saidi Shaaban Omar, chief of Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) Navy and Col. M.S. Masanga, commander 701 Flotilla.
The visit was a chance for both groups to discuss emerging issues that threaten maritime security as well as focus on building on the partnership that has already developed through several years of working together.
Both Swift leaders explained the differences of a civilian and military crew working together and how cooperation makes the job easier.
During the visit Sailors and Marines embarked on board Swift, as well as Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents from U.S. 6th Fleet, facilitated information exchange in subjects to include leadership, port security, martial arts and riot control. Swift Sailors and Marines also participated in community service and members of Naval Forces Europe Band “Flagship” performed at several venues.
Sailors from High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) were out doing what they do best in Tanzania last week, painting a school and playing soccer with children at Kinondoni Muslim High School in Dar es Salaam. I got the chance to be a part of the community relations event and took the time to speak to a pair of Swift crewmembers who have become veterans of events like these in Africa and South America.
I asked them a little bit about what’s special about these events for them and what they think of Africa Partnership Station as a whole.
Both these gentlemen are members of Swift’s Blue Crew and will swap out with the ship’s Gold Crew soon, so this event marked their last event out in the community with the people and children of Africa.
Watch and listen as Swift’s Assistant Officer-in-charge Chief Warrant Officer Ronald McMiller and Yeoman 1st Class Dave Honegger speak about taking time out of their day to build partnerships in Africa.
