APS Swift Visits The Gambia Africa Partnership's High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) arrived in Banjul, The Gambia, September 17, 2009. Mr. Ousman Jammeh, the Gambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barry L. Wells, U.S. Ambassador to The Gambia, as well as high ranking Gambian military officials including the Chief of Army Staff BG Yakuba Drammeh and the Gambia Navy Chief Commodore Sarjo Fofana, welcomed the ship at Pier 1 in Banjul.
The APS Swift as it docks in the ports of The Gambia
In his remarks, Ambassador Wells spoke on the importance of the visit by the U.S. Navy and APS Swift.
"Visits like this are important because they help reinforce the strong ties that already exist between our two countries. The last Navy ship visit of this magnitude was in 1994," said Wells. "The United States Navy is committed to many humanitarian assistance projects around the globe, and has, with this visit, transported donated items from an NGO 'Gambia Help' started by former Peace Corps volunteer, Shelby Tarutis, based in Seattle, Wash., and medical supplies from Project Handclasp, which will be donated to the Ministry of Health."
APS Swift delivered 16 pallets of Project Handclasp supplies to The Gambia.
Touching on the first such visit in 15 years, Brigadier General Yankuba Drammeh and Commodore Sarjo Fofana welcomed the ship to Banjul.
"We welcome you back to the smiling coast of Africa," said Fofana. "The United States government has long provided much needed assistance and training to the Gambian military, and for that we are grateful. Thank you very much for coming.
During the two-day visit, senior government officials, diplomats and the local press were provided a private tour of the ship. A reception was also hosted on board the ship in honor of Gambian dignitaries, diplomats and other partners. Shortly before departing Banjul, a fraction of the US Navy crew and Gambian Navy officers, embarked on a school painting project at the Wesley Lower Basic School in Banjul.
APS is a multinational initiative under Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa which aims to foster cooperation between the U.S., European and African partners to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent.
SWIFT, ported in Norfolk, Virginia, is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The ship has supported various partnership-building operations and training throughout much of the world, including APS.
