HSV 2 Leaders Meet Head of Mozambique Navy

The civilian master of High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) and officer-in-charge of the military detachment on board, visited Mozambique’s chief of the navy June 11.

The meeting was held in conjunction with Swift’s seven-day port visit to Maputo in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS).

Swift’s Civilian Master, Capt. Rhett Mann and Military Detachment Officer-in-Charger, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Eaton met with Rear Adm. Lazaro Menete, Mozambique’s chief of the navy.

The meeting focused on Mozambique’s participation in the multinational security cooperation initiative known as APS and the continued efforts it makes in building lasting friendships and promoting cultural exchange among servicemembers.

“On behalf of the Navy and Sixth Fleet, we greatly appreciate the opportunity to visit and continue our partnership with Mozambique,” said Eaton. “Leaving the ship today we already saw some of the students coming on board for classroom engagements, and that was great to see.”

Trainers from Special Purpose Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 12.2, Team 6 are holding training engagements on board Swift during its Maputo visit, with almost two-dozen Mozambique enlisted and junior officers participating.

The military-to-military exchange of knowledge is just one aspect of the issues that APS seeks to develop among partner nations.

At the meeting held at Mozambique’s Navy Headquarters, both parties discussed the common issues shaping the maritime environment in the region like piracy and illegal smuggling.

Prior to the meeting coming to a close, both sides exchanged gifts and took one last moment to learn something about each other’s culture. Menete explained the significance of the decorative plate he presented to Swift’s leaders.

“This features the lion, the symbol of all of armed forces is that of the lion in the forest,” said Menete.

Mann presented a ship’s compass and said, “May this compass point the way toward future cooperation between us.”

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

Swift, a Military Sealift Command chartered High Speed Vessel is making port calls throughout Africa in support of APS and theater security cooperation visits. Swift will make on other stop in Mozambique before continuing on to Tanzania.

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Naval Today Staff , June 12, 2012; Image: US Navy