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.
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 Feb. 1-8.
Built in Mobile, Ala., by Austal U.S.A., USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), a joint high-speed vessel or JHSV, is designed for rapid, intra-theater transport of troops and military equipment. MSC owns and operates Spearhead, along with nine other JHSVs that are currently under contract.
To ring in the new year, our recruiting team created a wall calendar that highlights specific positions by recognizing CIVMARs serving in those roles throughout the fleet (calendars available at CIVMAR support centers and job fairs near you). Each month, we will also share the monthly CIVMAR spotlight from the calendar on our blog – these posts are designed to help YOU learn more about opportunities with MSC!
Robert Piquion, a former Navy Sailor, is our featured CIVMAR in February 2013. Piquion is a Third Assistant Engineer – a position for which we are actively hiring.
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)