HSV SWIFT 2 visits Nigeria April 2008

http://allafrica.com/stories/200804160013.html
Nigeria: U.S. to Train Nigerian Navy On High Speed Vessels

Vanguard (Lagos)
16 April 2008Posted to the web 16 April 2008
Albert Akpor
Lagos

The vessels are to be fitted with communication and radar equipment. Sources said the vessels were being ordered to meet the challenging needs of the menace of Niger Delta militancy as well as provide adequate security for the oil rich Gulf of Guinea.
Already, the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Ganiu Adekeye left the country weekend for Singapore, Malaysia and Australia to inspect the extent of works on some platforms and armoured-built helicopters being manufactured for the Nigerian Navy. The Flag Officer (FOC) commanding Western Naval command, Real Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim who received the US Navy entourage yesterday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft Apapa, described the gesture as timely.

He stressed that the US had always been of immense assistance to Nigeria adding that the three day training could not have come at a better time. He assured that "the national maritime environment would now be better secured after the training and delivery of the expected vessels".

Continuing, the naval boss said, "you know how much we have gone through in providing security for the gulf of guinea particularly in our own area and you know the resources of the gulf of guinea attracts a lot of international concern. More so, personnel of most countries especially those of our white brothers you know have at various instance been abducted in Niger Delta; these equipment are to enhance our capacity to cope with the demanded security and protection of these activities in our waters."
Reacting, the leader of the entourage who doubles as the commanding officer African Partnership Station (APS) Captain Nowell said no one country can tackle her maritime security alone saying, "no one country can try to tackle its maritime problems alone; so we think it is a global maritime partnership and we are prepared to work togther and that is why are proud to be here working in partnership with Nigeria.
___________________________________



http://allafrica.com/stories/200804100482.html
Nigeria: U.S., Country Navy Hold Joint Training

Vanguard (Lagos)
10 April 2008Posted to the web 10 April 2008
Kingsley Omonobi
THE American Navy Ship 'HSV SWIFT' will be transiting the Gulf of Guinea from 14 to 20 April 2008, with a stop over in Lagos.
The visit will afford the American Navy and its Nigerian counterpart to hold a joint training.
GA_googleFillSlot("AllAfrica_Story_Inset");
The exercise to be conducted at the Western Naval Command's area of responsibility, will focus on the Automatic Identification System aimed at enhancing Nigerian Navy's capability to monitor vessel traffic in Nigerian waters.
According to a statement signed by Captain Henry Babalola, during the port call, the ships personnel of 'HSV SWIFT' will visit places of interest in Lagos and also have social and sporting activities with their Nigerian Navy counterparts during the port call.
He emphasized that the visit will enhance the robust bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United State of America.
___________________________________


http://ndn.nigeriadailynews.com/templates/?a=15640&z=50
U.S. ship arrives in Nigeria Monday
Friday, April 11, 2008 - From Madu Onuorah, Abuja

A UNITED States (U.S.) naval ship, HSV SWIFT, is due to arrive in Nigeria on Monday for a week's visit dubbed as: "Transiting the Gulf of Guinea".The ship would, during the visit, dock in the nation's commercial centre, Lagos, for a joint training exercise with Nigerian Navy personnel.Director of Naval Information, Captain Henry Babalola, said yesterday that the joint training would focus on the Automatic Identification System aimed at enhancing Nigerian Navy's capability to monitor vessel traffic in Nigerian waters.Babalola also said that "during the port call, the ship's personnel will visit places of interest in Lagos and also have social and sporting activities with their Nigerian Navy counterparts.The visit is in the spirit of robust bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S.