The U.S. Navy Vessel, HSV Swift will arrive at the port of Monrovia today, September 2, 2009 to conduct training and assistance programs as part of the Africa Partnership Station (APS).

Through September 15, 2009, APS will conduct primary care/health screenings, internal and child services education, dental extraction, dental health services, dental education, eye examination and distribution of prescribed eyeglasses, veterinary services and education.

Other areas are biomedical repair education and services and advance lab education in several Liberian medical facilities, including the John F. Kennedy Medical Center and Redemption Hospital During this deployment, APS will also construct two medical wards at the Redemption Hospital and begin working on the Liberia Coast Guard Pier.

The HSV is carrying 144,000 meals provided by Kids Against Hunger International and basic medical supplies, which be handed over at a September 4 ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Sinkor. Veterinary care and immunization will be provided at the G.W. Gibson School in Monrovia. U.S. civilian volunteers and U.S. Military medical professional will engage in peer-to-peer training with Liberian care practitioners while providing care to Liberian citizens.

Utilizing the High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), the APS staff will provide medical and training visits for African nations as part of U.S. African Command (AFRICOM) outreach. Participating trainers come from the United States, Europe and many African nations.

APS is one in a series of activities designed to build maritime safety and security in Africa in a comprehensive and collaborative manner, focusing first on the Gulf of Guinea. It responds to specific African requests for assistance and is aligned with broad international community and U.S. objectives.

It seeks to take partnerships into action in a U.S. Government-wide multinational effort to promote maritime governance around Africa. APS is inspired by the belief that effective maritime safety and security will contribute to development, economic prosperity and security ashore.