By MSCEURAF Public Affairs
Military Sealift Command-chartered high-speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) completed a nearly 10-month deployment to the Europe and Africa areas of responsibility Jan. 31. During that time, Swift, its crew of contract mariners and a U.S. Navy detachment conducted 38 port visits to Africa and 15 to Europe, making theater security cooperation visits and supporting Africa Partnership Station 2012.
Cape Verdian coast guard members train aboard HSV 2 Swift in Mindelo.
Editor’s note: At press time, the continuing budget resolution and sequestration issues had not been resolved. Some subjects below may be subject to rapid change.
As big Navy’s trust in MSC grows, so does our involvement in missions around the world. We play a critical role in Africa Partnership Station and Southern Partnership Station, building cooperative relationships with allies and neighbors. We also carry a message of hope and good will to people in need of medical and civic assistance in both hemispheres during Continuing Promise and Pacific Partnership missions.
MINDELO, Cape Verde, (Jan. 11, 2013) Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Nicholas Heidingsfelder, a maritime civil affairs instructor, observes Cape Verdian Coast Guard Cpl. Gil Lima practicing field tactical movement during boarding team operations training aboard the High-Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Felicito Rustique/Released)
Every day, more than 9,500 dedicated men and women of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command deliver critical supplies and conduct missions across the world’s oceans. Here’s what we’ve been up to Jan. 26-31.
MSC-chartered ship HSV Swift (HSV 2) visited Mindelo, Cape Verde, in January, participating in its final Africa Partnership Station and its final deployment to the Europe and Africa areas of responsibility, where it has supported five years of APS and other theater security cooperation port visits over the years. Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Felicito, from the Navy Public Affairs Support Element East, joined Swift during its visit to Mindelo where he spoke with Swift’s contract mariner crew and military detachment personnel about Swift’s final visit to the AOR.
The following blog post is the first in a series highlighting MSC’s role in Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) 2013. The purpose of ODF is to provide logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program via Department of Defense assets. MSC has supported ODF since McMurdo Station was established in 1955, providing supplies and fuel to scientists operating from the remote base.
MSC-chartered container ship MV Ocean Giant is en route to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, marking the start of MSC’s annual resupply mission in support of ODF.
