HSV Swift Reaches Halfway Point

While there has been a remarkable lack of media attention given by the Navy to its Global Fleet Station mission, HSV Swift pulled into Port Canaveral last week for a 10 day resupply to mark the half way point of its Global Fleet Station mission. While the lack of media attention basically means the Navy gave up trying to celebrate its new idea publicly, I see the quiet approach as a good thing.

The Navy is building relationships here, and low profile is probably better on the locals.

This is pretty nice report:

The mission's aim is to share knowledge and expertise to counter terrorism, drug trafficking and to improve port security throughout the Caribbean.

First deployed almost four years ago, the Swift is 320 feet long. Jets push it through waves at speeds of up to 53 mph, more than fast enough to water-ski behind.

One deck holds two buildings for training rooms, similar to portable buildings used at some schools. Tanks and other heavy military vehicles can be loaded and unloaded easily. The ship also boasts a helicopter landing pad.

Trainers on the ship include personnel from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, State Department and other military and governmental agencies.

"Our objective is to develop a persistent presence," said Wied, Task Group 40.9 commander.

I expect the next three months to remain as quiet as the last month, and we probably won't know how the Navy "really" feels about the Global Fleet Station mission until next year. Personally, I think it is smart, and potentially hits the mark in terms of making a major contribution to the Navy's phase 0 shaping operation objective. We'll have to wait and see the results to know for sure.

Another article here.