High Speed Vessel Swift Hosts Reception in Guyana

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kim Williams, High Speed Vessel Swift Public Affairs

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (NNS) -- The crew of High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) hosted a reception on board the vessel Sept. 3, closing out the first week of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010 Guyana.

The guest list included the prime minister of Guyana, the U.S. charge d' affairs, several participants from the subject matter expert exchanges, members of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) and other distinguished guests.

"It is an honor to host the GDF, Prime Minister of Guyana, charge d' affairs and various distinguished guests on board this evening," said Capt. Kurt Hedberg, Southern Partnership Station 2010 mission commander. "This visit will give them additional insight into the U.S. military aside from the daily exchanges we participate in. Welcoming these guests on board Swift is similar to inviting someone into your home, which opens the door for a more genuine connection. We have had the opportunity to enjoy the Guyanese community and culture. This is our chance to share more of ours with them."

The prime minister of Guyana expressed his gratitude for Swift's visit to the country and said he hopes that this trip marks the start of a long-lasting partnership between the two countries.

"While we have had visits from other military vessels, this is the first large U.S. military vessel to come to a dock in Georgetown," said Samuel Hinds, the prime minister of Guyana. "These exchanges, which will help build the capacity of the Guyana coast guard, represent a continuation of the link between Guyana and the United States of America through which we pursue cooperation in several critical areas."

Subject matter experts from the U.S. military exchanged information with various levels of the Guyana coast guard, which Hinds said was a critical point for security cooperation.

"These exchanges were a particularly important aspect for security given our need to secure our spaces from drug trafficking," said Hinds.

Both Hinds and other guests on board for the affair explained that the people of Guyana were very receptive to the Swift's visit to their country.

"The ship's visit has been very well received and appreciated and has made a positive contribution, in a real way, to a continued partnership," said Carol Horning, acting deputy chief of mission, U.S. Embassy Guyana. "It's only (through) the person-to-person communication that people really understand what others are facing and how they deal with their problems. This visit has allowed both military groups involved the chance to exchange their expertise and mutual concerns and shows that the U.S. government and the American people care about Guyana."

Swift is currently deployed in SPS 2010, an annual deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Central America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region.