US high speed vessel to conduct training and cultural exchanges
A United States navy non-commissioned aluminum-hulled, hybrid catamaran arrived in Port Victoria Saturday morning to conduct marine security training and cultural exchanges as part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) East.
The High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) is on a five-day visit here after leaving the port in Mauritius and her sister – the frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) -- is expected today.
Teams of marine experts from the two ships will give training and be engaged in exercises with the maritime professionals of the APS partner nations.
In-port training – seizure procedures, combat lifesaver first aid and firefighting and damage control measures -- will also be done.
In addition to port-training sailors will do community activities to help improve conditions at the Foyer de Nazareth at Anse Etoile and play friendly basketball games with members of the Seychelles Coast Guard.
The port visit here marks the final APS training port for the 2010 mission.
APS East is a cooperative initiative which aims to unite international partners to enhance safety and security throughout the African continent.
Although APS East has been conducting missions along the east coast of Africa for a few years, this year’s mission is the first that includes an international staff of partnering-nations.
“We are thrilled to arrive on this beautiful island of Seychelles and look forward to training with the Seychelles Coast Guard,” said Captain James Tranoris, Commander of APS East.
He said the training will “ultimately help all of us strengthen maritime safety and security in the region”.
Brazilian officer Lieutenant Commander Mauro Lima said they are all looking forward to completing this mission and returning to their families but “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.”
On the ships are US sailors and embarked officers from Brazil, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Source: NATION 3-1-10