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Africa Partnership Station Arrives in Lobito

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080221-17
Release Date: 2/21/2008 3:19:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. Megan Shutka, Africa Partnership Station Public Affairs

LOBITO, Angola (NNS) -- Africa Partnership Station (APS) aboard High Speed Vessel 2 Swift arrived in Lobito, Feb. 21, its third port of call, and one with an emphasis on interaction in the community.

The crew will conduct activities such as a community relations project at a banana plantation, interact with Angolan sailors in a soccer game, and entertain with members of the APS Band from commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa Brass Quintet.

"This port visit will feature hands-on goodwill activities highlighted by a project at a local banana plantation," said Lt. Miguel Luis, APS's Portuguese liaison officer for Angola, embarked on board Swift. "We are going to learn the three-step process involved at a banana plantation by planting and watering, weeding, and then cutting and packaging of bananas for the marketplace while working alongside the Angolans the entire time".

"Through Africa Partnership Station, we aim to build partnerships, relationships and friendships," Luis said. The ship's soccer team will play the Angolan Navy in a soccer match, and the Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa Brass Quintet will perform at halftime. "What better way to illustrate friendly relations between partners than doing something we both love?"

"Africa Partnership Station involves not just military training, but also interaction with the local host nation, no matter what the occasion," continued Luis.

Swift will also host a reception aboard the vessel for many members of the Angolan Navy, U.S. Embassy staff, and local business and civic leaders to continue the exchange of ideas and friendly relations. The Brass Quintet will perform at several venues during the visit.

APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-led initiative, executed by a multinational staff aboard Swift and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) to promote maritime safety and security.

During its deployment, Swift will work with various government and nongovernment organizations to support ongoing regional meteorological and oceanography initiatives, host fisheries training events, and deliver humanitarian aid to African nations.

Overseen by a joint staff representing navies of eight European, African and North American countries, APS ships are visiting ports in Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Sao Tome & Principe, Togo, and other African countries to conduct training, complete humanitarian projects and build partnerships among participating nations.

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