…bringing new expertise and community support
The HSV Swift, a ship of US Navy and US Marines, arrived at the south end of the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) yesterday morning, and is expected to bring new expertise to Guyana, as well as community support. Public Affairs Officer (PAO), Mrs. Charlotte Hu, at the United States Embassy in Georgetown, in a statement, noted that on board the vessel are 15 navy instructors, 20 navy construction battalion (SEABEES), eight marines and 20 merchant marines.
The Swift is expected to be in Guyana until September 10, as part of the ship’s deployment to eight countries.
According to Hu, the U.S. Marines will be exchanging martial arts techniques and tactical navigation skills with the Guyana Defence Force Army and Coast Guard. The U.S. Navy personnel will also be exchanging junior and senior leadership skills with the GDF Coast Guard on board the High Speed Vessel SWIFT
As for community support, works are expected to be done at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ Amerindian Hostel, in particular, general maintenance and construction; interior rooms for dental services and nursing are expected to be constructed at the Ministry of Health’s La Penitence Health Centre; and a wooden building is expected to be constructed at the Plaisance High School on the East Coast of Demerara, to ease overcrowding.
Hu stated that contributions will be made to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in the form of 70,000 and 14,000 high nutrition meals, respectively.
Also, three pallets of medical, hygiene and recreation items will be handed over to the Ministry of Education.
The Guyana visit is part of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010, a major component of the partnership of the Americas maritime strategy from Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) aimed at ensuring theatre security and strengthening relationships among regional partners.
2010 Partnership
SPS is a regular deployment of various specialty platforms to the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Central America. The mission’s primary goal is information sharing that involves Subject Matter Expert Exchanges from both the U.S. and partner countries with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region.  SPS10 is a forum for personnel from the US and partner nations to exchange ideas, insights and lessons learned on theatre security cooperation issues.
Hu, in her statement, pointed out that the SPS 2010 demonstrates the US commitment by emphasizing that: Central America, the Caribbean and the U.S. share common interests; security is a necessary condition for prosperity and lasting democratic institutions; regional challenges require cooperative solutions; and SOUTHCOM is committed to lasting partnerships.
This is the first time a U.S. naval vessel or vessel under contract to the U.S. Navy has moored pier side in Georgetown.
The Swift is 103 meters long and less than 15 feet draft.  It is an Australian built, privately-owned, privately-operated US merchant vessel that has been militarized for the U.S. Navy.
The Vessel’s permanent manning consists of 17 Contract Mariners (CONMARs) and 22 Military personnel.  The CONMARs have two crews who conduct a staggered relief schedule that rotates every three months.
The ship was constructed by the Australian shipbuilder Incat in Hobart, Tasmania and is owned by Sealift Inc. who is currently chartering the ship to the US Navy.
During its five-month deployment that began on May 5, the HSV Swift has been also deployed to visit Barbados, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Panama.