By Ensign Joe Keiley
HSV 2 Swift Public Affairs  Print     Share  

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, 

Jul 2, 2012 — Sailors from High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) conducted a community service project at Kinondoni Muslim High School in Dar es Salaam, June 29, 2012.

The sailors completed the service project as part of Swift's involvement with Africa Partnership Station (APS) East 2012. They painted the walls of a classroom yellow and white and wrapped up their visit by competing in a friendly soccer match with students.

"You spent your hearts doing this work today and we enjoyed the effort in the football match," said Abdul Nassar Sarumbo, Kinondi director. "We thank you for your help and you are most welcome here again."

The school was established in 1966 as a secondary school. Kinondoni is operated by the National Muslim Council of Tanzania. In 1995 it established high school education and in 2009 the school started Grade "A" training courses for primary school teachers.

The fresh coat of paint gives the students a shiny classroom to conduct their studies in, while Swift's crew got the chance to spend some time with the students, who ranged in ages from as young as six-years old all the way to teenagers.

"These types of events are really great because it gives us a chance to interact with kids as Americans, and they see us as people, not just somebody they might see on television. It's easy to begin to relate to each other that way," said Petty Officer 1st Class Dave Honegger.

Swift's Assistant Officer-in-charge Chief Warrant Officer Ronald McMiller explained why the painting event was a success.

"Being able to help out from one family to another is great. What we're doing for APS, as sailors and human beings, is really great," said McMiller. "I'm at home when I'm around paint -- I'm a boatswain, and because of my rate when we come to a port and the event involves paint, I'm there."

The visit to Tanzania marks Swift's third East African port visit in the last three weeks. The crew participated in service projects in the Mozambique ports of Maputo and Nacala prior to arriving in Dar es Salaam.

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

Swift, a Military Sealift Command-chartered High Speed Vessel is making port calls throughout Africa in support of APS and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) visits.