East London boat watchers will be greeted by an unusual site in the harbour on Saturday.
That's when the the High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) arrives for a visit, one of three stops in South Africa.
It will not be visiting Port Elizabeth.
According to a statement from the US Embassy "the Swift departs Simon's Town after six days of events, which included a reception on board the vessel, a community relations project at Kethuphila youth center, and several performances in town by the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band."
"The ship's personnel were able to visit the frigate SAS Mendi while South African service members received a similar tour on board Swift. Members of Swift's military detachment made office calls with several South African Navy leaders, including Flag Officer Fleet Rear Adm. Phillip Schoultz," the statement said.
"Swift arrived in South Africa May 25, after departing Walvis Bay, Namibia. Prior to visiting southern Africa, HSV Swift also visited Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo; Lome, Togo and Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire."
"Swift will continue to visit ports-of-call in Africa in order to achieve common international goals, as we work with our partners to promote regional stability and security."
"HSV-2 Swift is an Australian built, privately-owned, privately-operated vessel that has been refitted for the U.S. Navy. Swift is manned by contract mariners who operate the ship, navigation, and engineering, while the military detachment oversees theater security cooperation efforts," the statement added.
