Liberian President Visits APS Swift for Farewell Reception

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visited Africa Partnership Station (APS) Swift for an evening reception honoring the conclusion of the ship's two-week Medical Civil Action Project in Monrovia, September 15, 2009.

For the past two weeks, the three medical teams embarked on APS Swift have been visiting hospitals and clinics around the capital city providing free care and medicine. Sirleaf thanked the teams for their compassion and dedication.

"You have treated over 2,000 people in the short time you've been here," Sirleaf said. "You have brought to us the partnership of caring and sharing. The presence of Africa Partnership Station Swift and the work you have done here is out of concern for humanity. You are here as partners with the added dimension of caring, and for that I would like to extend a very great thank you and my sincere wish that you return soon."

In addition to the medical civil action project, Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Three began one of two building projects which will keep them in Liberia for the next four months.

"Africa Partnership Station is the way we show our commitment to Liberia and the region," said Brooks A. Robinson, Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Liberia. "We are here as partners and look forward to more opportunities to strengthen the ties between our countries and our peoples."

APS is a multinational initiative under Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa which aims to foster cooperation between the U.S., European and African partners as a way to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent.

Swift, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The ship has supported various partnership-building operations and training throughout much of the world, including APS.