Sailors from High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) and USS Nicholas (FFG 47), supporting the mission of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East, played a friendly game of soccer against a French Navy team during a 4-day port visit to Port Est, Reunion, February 17, 2010.

The match, arranged a few weeks in advance, provided a unique venue for sailors from U.S., East African, and French navies to participate in a military-to-military engagement and build relationships with one another.

"These activities are of vital importance to our overall mission and any time we are offered an opportunity to compete in a sporting event, we are excited," said Kenyan Captain Philip Mulumba, assistant training officer and sports coordinator on the APS staff. "It provides us with a chance to interact with members of other militaries and build allies in a fun environment."

The game was filled with intensity from beginning to end with stiff competition from both sides. However, the French navy team scored a goalie with little time to spare, taking home the win, 3-2. In the end, the game wasn't about wins or losses. It was about camaraderie.

"This game gave me a chance to get off the ship and enjoy some recreational time playing my favorite sport," said Petty Officer 3rd Class David Chamberlain. "I think everybody had a lot of fun and even though we had many people from all over the world here, it is obvious that soccer is an international language all on its own."

With successful port visits already complete in Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, Swift and Nicholas will continue visiting APS partner-nation ports and training with maritime professionals in support of APS East. The ships mission will take the sailors next to Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros.

APS is a worldwide initiative in support of Naval Forces Africa which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent.

Swift and Nicholas are on regular scheduled deployments within the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. APS East is being conducted in cooperation with Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa and United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).