U.S. Naval Forces Europe, 6th Fleet Public Affairs Story by: Lt. S. Maria Lohmeyer
PORT VICTORIA, Seychelles – High Speed Vessel Swift today arrived here to conduct maritime security training and cultural exchanges as part of Africa Partnership Station East. Swift's sister platform for the 2010 APS East mission, the frigate USS Nicholas, will arrive Monday, Mar. 1.
APS East is a cooperative initiative which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent.
Swift and Nicholas bring with them teams of
APS East is a cooperative initiative which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent.
Swift and Nicholas bring with them teams of
maritime experts who provide training and engage in exercises with the maritime professionals of the APS partner nations. While in Seychelles, instruction will include visit, board, search and seizure procedures; combat lifesaver first aid; and firefighting and damage control measures.
"We are thrilled to arrive on this beautiful island in the Seychelles," said Capt. James Tranoris, Commander of APS East, "And look forward to training with the Seychellois Coast Guard, which will ultimately help all of us strengthen maritime safety and security in the region."
In addition to focusing on in-port training, sailors will take up a community relation activity to help improve conditions at the St. Elizabeth Boy's Orphanage and will play a friendly game of basketball with members of the Seychellois Coast Guard. Of course, many sailors are looking forward to exploring the island and the recreational activities it has to offer.
"This place has beautiful mountains, water like glass and is just a breathtaking view," commented Petty Officer 3rd Class Gregory Keith about his first visit to the island, "I can't wait to take up some scuba diving and deep sea fishing...and of course enjoy the beach."
APS East has been conducting missions along the east coast of Africa for a few years; however, APS East 2010 marks the first year that the mission includes an international staff of partnering-nations. Staff officers aboard the HSV-2 Swift from Kenya, Mozambique, Mauritius, Tanzania, Brazil and the U.S., work directly with the Commander to plan and execute the APS East mission, offering a deeper level of experience and exchange of ideas about maritime safety and security in Africa.
After completing training in Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Mauritius, the port visit to Seychelles marks the final APS East training port for the 2010 mission and presents a bitter sweet time for its staff.
"While we look forward to returning to our families and completing the mission," reflected Brazilian officer Lt. Cmdr. Mauro Lima, "we have a lot of good momentum behind building international relationships and having a positive impact on maritime concerns in this region of the world."
Swift and Nicholas are on regular scheduled deployments within the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. APS East is being conducted in cooperation with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command.
"We are thrilled to arrive on this beautiful island in the Seychelles," said Capt. James Tranoris, Commander of APS East, "And look forward to training with the Seychellois Coast Guard, which will ultimately help all of us strengthen maritime safety and security in the region."
In addition to focusing on in-port training, sailors will take up a community relation activity to help improve conditions at the St. Elizabeth Boy's Orphanage and will play a friendly game of basketball with members of the Seychellois Coast Guard. Of course, many sailors are looking forward to exploring the island and the recreational activities it has to offer.
"This place has beautiful mountains, water like glass and is just a breathtaking view," commented Petty Officer 3rd Class Gregory Keith about his first visit to the island, "I can't wait to take up some scuba diving and deep sea fishing...and of course enjoy the beach."
APS East has been conducting missions along the east coast of Africa for a few years; however, APS East 2010 marks the first year that the mission includes an international staff of partnering-nations. Staff officers aboard the HSV-2 Swift from Kenya, Mozambique, Mauritius, Tanzania, Brazil and the U.S., work directly with the Commander to plan and execute the APS East mission, offering a deeper level of experience and exchange of ideas about maritime safety and security in Africa.
After completing training in Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Mauritius, the port visit to Seychelles marks the final APS East training port for the 2010 mission and presents a bitter sweet time for its staff.
"While we look forward to returning to our families and completing the mission," reflected Brazilian officer Lt. Cmdr. Mauro Lima, "we have a lot of good momentum behind building international relationships and having a positive impact on maritime concerns in this region of the world."
Swift and Nicholas are on regular scheduled deployments within the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. APS East is being conducted in cooperation with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa and U.S. Africa Command.
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