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Swift Arrives in Douala, Cameroon for Africa Partnership Station

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080210-03
Release Date: 2/10/2008 7:03:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Merriam, Africa Partnership Station Public Affairs

DOUALA, Cameroon (NNS) -- High Speed Vessel 2 Swift pulled into Douala, its second port for Africa Partnership Station (APS), a day early, Feb. 10, to help with the Chad relief effort.

Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Rob Brodie explained why Swift is in a unique position to help.

"We are pulling in a day early to deliver 27 pallets of food, medicine and hygiene to help ease the refugee crisis in northern Cameroon," said Brodie.

In addition to providing relief assistance during the visit, Sailors from Swift will conduct a community relations project, meet with local officials, play soccer with the Cameroon Navy, and support a diplomatic reception aboard the ship.

Embarked aboard Swift is the 6th Fleet brass quintet, who will be playing at various schools and community events.

"For the community relations [project], we hope to install some lights and overhead fans, fix some plumbing, and do some painting at a hospital in town," Brodie said. "The crew has completed several, similar projects around the world and enjoys these opportunities to make a positive impact while getting to know the locals."

The most important aspect of the port visit is the chance to build international relationships between the members of APS and their Cameroonian counterparts.

"With a small crew, 45, we find it easier to relate to Sailors who sail on ships with similar compliments," Brodie said. "Swift has more of a family type atmosphere than what you will usually find on a larger ship. Our camaraderie is important because we spend a lot of time at sea. With two crews that rotate every four months, Swift remains almost continuously employed around the world and has circumnavigated the globe three times in four years."

APS 2007 is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-led initiative, executed by a multi-national staff aboard Swift and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry.

For more news from Africa Partnership Station or High Speed Vessel 2 Swift, visit www.navy.mil/local/lsd43/.