Swift, Nicholas visit Port Est, Reunion

Courtesy Photo | The Africa Partnership Station East platform USS Nicholas makes its way into port, Feb. 17, following the arrival of High Speed Vessel Swift. Nicholas and Swift are in Reunion to engage in interoperability training with the French Navy as well as pick up needed supplies in support of their APS mission. APS East is aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and other collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa, and is being conducted in cooperation with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa.  

02.17.2010

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

PORT EST, Reunion — The High Speed Vessel Swift and USS Nicholas arrived here for a three-day regularly scheduled port visit while operating in the Indian Ocean.

While in Port Est, the ships look forward to working with the French military. The stop will also allow both ships to pick up supplies and provide personnel with an opportunity for some liberty before they continue with their mission in support of Africa Partnership Station East.

"Our stop in Reunion will allow us to regroup for the remainder of our APS mission, which is an international initiative aimed at improving maritime safety and security in Africa," said Capt. James E. Tranoris, Commodore of APS East. "The APS mission has already taken us to Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Following our stop in Reunion, we'll continue with visits to Mauritus, Seychelles, Comoros, and Kenya. Any opportunity to partner and conduct international exchanges is valuable to our sailors and the U.S. Navy, which is why we are looking forward to the prospect for training with the French military here in Reunion."

Military-to-military exchanges are not the only interactions happening in Reunion this week. Members of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band, "Top Brass," will hold a concert at the University of Reunion (Saint-Denis). The performance will feature traditional American Jazz and New Orleans style brass band music.

"We are excited every time we get to play a show for a new group of people," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Moody, musician. "Each country we visit provides us a great opportunity to meet new people and to entertain them with our music."

The visit will also allow crewmembers from both ships a chance for some relaxation and liberty time to venture out and enjoy the island.

"While we're in Reunion, I plan on going out to do some shopping and also trying out some of the local foods," said Seaman Robert Burgett.

APS is an international initiative in support of Naval Forces Africa which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent. Swift and Nicholas, both homeported in Norfolk, Va., are on regular scheduled deployments within the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 02.17.2010
• Date Posted: 02.17.2010 06:46
• Story ID: 45458