High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV) 2 Departs Gambia

High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV) 2 departed The Gambia Sept. 27, concluding the final training engagements as part of Swift’s role in Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.

Swift hosted a closing ceremony aboard Sept. 23, which capped off two weeks of instruction between Gambian and U.S. personnel.

Fifty-nine Gambian navy and civilian participants received training in maritime intelligence, non-commissioned officer leadership, small boat maintenance, human rights, and gender-based violence prevention aboard Swift.

“Knowledge will hone your ability to write, talk, and listen. I advise that knowledge gained should be knowledge shared too,” said Maj. Gen. Ousman Badjie, The Gambia deputy chief of defense staff, at the closing ceremony. “The presentations and discussions have enabled you to draw lessons and experiences from one another that you can all take back with you to help in the day-to-day management of your assigned areas.”

Instructors from Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command (MCAST) said they were impressed by how the Gambian navy students grasped the material.
“Students are now able to independently explain how air molecules and a fuel/oil mixture can make a propeller move a boat through water, as well as basic troubleshooting on the specific systems,” said Engineman 1st Class James Elgin, assigned to MCAST.

“The students showed a very positive attitude and were eager to learn the concepts of each topic as evident by their questions and note taking.”

While in The Gambia, Swift participated in two different community service projects. Crew members read a loud to children during a reading program at the non-governmental organization Starfish International. On another occasion, Swift’s crew donated soccer balls and played with children at the SOS Children’s Village, the international outreach program that aims to help improve the situation of vulnerable children in many ways and by working with partners at different levels.

“It was a great pleasure [to have the Swift visit],” said Haddy Touray, director of the SOS Children’s Village. “It is always good when people spend time with children. We always appreciate visitors.”

Swift’s crew also participated in two volleyball games with the Gambian navy at the Gambian naval base and hosted two luncheons and a distinguished visitor reception aboard.

“This was a very successful visit,” said Lt. Cmdr. Charles Eaton, officer in charge of Swift. “We were well received by the Gambian armed forces and the people. It was evident that the training had a significant impact. Our visit enhanced the friendship and partnership between The Gambia and the U.S.”
HSV Swift is a catamaran and operates with a hybrid crew of both U.S. Navy Sailors and civilian mariners chartered by Military Sealift Command.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

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Source: navy, September 30, 2011

High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV) 2 departed The Gambia Sept. 27, concluding the final training engagements as part of Swift’s role in Africa Partnership Station (APS) West.

Swift hosted a closing ceremony aboard Sept. 23, which capped off two weeks of instruction between Gambian and U.S. personnel.

Fifty-nine Gambian navy and civilian participants received training in maritime intelligence, non-commissioned officer leadership, small boat maintenance, human rights, and gender-based violence prevention aboard Swift.

“Knowledge will hone your ability to write, talk, and listen. I advise that knowledge gained should be knowledge shared too,” said Maj. Gen. Ousman Badjie, The Gambia deputy chief of defense staff, at the closing ceremony. “The presentations and discussions have enabled you to draw lessons and experiences from one another that you can all take back with you to help in the day-to-day management of your assigned areas.”

Instructors from Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command (MCAST) said they were impressed by how the Gambian navy students grasped the material.
“Students are now able to independently explain how air molecules and a fuel/oil mixture can make a propeller move a boat through water, as well as basic troubleshooting on the specific systems,” said Engineman 1st Class James Elgin, assigned to MCAST.

“The students showed a very positive attitude and were eager to learn the concepts of each topic as evident by their questions and note taking.”

While in The Gambia, Swift participated in two different community service projects. Crew members read a loud to children during a reading program at the non-governmental organization Starfish International. On another occasion, Swift’s crew donated soccer balls and played with children at the SOS Children’s Village, the international outreach program that aims to help improve the situation of vulnerable children in many ways and by working with partners at different levels.

“It was a great pleasure [to have the Swift visit],” said Haddy Touray, director of the SOS Children’s Village. “It is always good when people spend time with children. We always appreciate visitors.”

Swift’s crew also participated in two volleyball games with the Gambian navy at the Gambian naval base and hosted two luncheons and a distinguished visitor reception aboard.

“This was a very successful visit,” said Lt. Cmdr. Charles Eaton, officer in charge of Swift. “We were well received by the Gambian armed forces and the people. It was evident that the training had a significant impact. Our visit enhanced the friendship and partnership between The Gambia and the U.S.”
HSV Swift is a catamaran and operates with a hybrid crew of both U.S. Navy Sailors and civilian mariners chartered by Military Sealift Command.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.