HSV Swift Makes History with Visit to 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 made history Aug. 29, as the first U.S. military vessel to dock pier-side in Georgetown, Guyana.

Swift, the first U.S. military vessel to enter the country, is in Guyana for Southern Partnership (SPS) 2010, which kicked off Aug. 31.

"We are excited to be part of history for both the U.S. Navy and U.S. military being the first U.S. ship to operate in Guyana," said Capt. Kurt Hedberg, SPS 2010 mission commander. "The start of the exchanges today allows us the chance to operate in a multinational environment and improve interoperability, while demonstrating the flexibility of both the U.S military and Guyana Defense Force (GDF)."

SPS 2010 is strategic initiative, which will establish a self-sustaining sea-base from which to conduct regional operations. Its primary goal is information exchanging with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America.

"We believe it is important to have Guyana included in SPS because the knowledge and expertise that both countries bring to the table helps us to improve regional stability and improve capabilities in key mission areas, resulting in enhanced maritime security," said Hedberg.

Subject matter experts embarked on board Swift will engage with members of the GDF discussing topics ranging from port and physical security to land navigation.

"Throughout SPS 2010, the junior enlisted leadership exchange will emphasize that as a leader, you can always learn something," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Marcus Lloyd, from Jackson, Miss. "That includes everyone, from the youngest person to the most senior person, because they may have a new way of doing business that you never thought of. We are different countries yes, but we are faced with the same obstacles so I hope that all of the SPS 2010 participants will use this opportunity to learn from each other," Lloyd added.

SPS 2010 aims to bolster regional maritime safety and security by increasing partner nation maritime capabilities and capacities through the exchange of information and interaction. Swift is operated and navigated by 17 civilian contract mariners working for a private company under charter to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.