Imagine being on the fastest military vessel known to man. Imagine some of the best navy movies that you’ve ever seen on television; Pearl Harbour, Men of Honour, Behind Enemy Lines, Antwone Fisher. Then imagine yourself being Denzel Washington or Robert DeNiro playing the part of these navy seals.

Well, that is exactly how we the TEENage team felt on the May 8 when we visited the High Speed Vessel 2 Swift (HSV 2Swift). Docked on the shores of Jamaica’s own, Port Antonio, the TEENage members were among few who were extended the privilege to board deck and learn of the beautiful sea vessel.

Our escort and educator for the day was Lieutenant Mike Deasey, who unleashed the details of the mission and much insight into the background and build of the vessel. He also explained that the ship has visited many countries; their seals train with different defence forces including Jamaica’s, as well making charitable donations to hospitals and defence forces.

This catamaran-a boat or vessel made with two water light bodies under the structure- boasts the title of being the fastest ship to ever sail, going up to 40 knots (about 35 mph). It is made from aluminium, making it light and allowing it to go closer to land than any other.

Almost everything to be done on deck is computerised, as such, operating it requires minimal manual work. The ship is steered with a two inch diameter ball, which fits into the hand rest of the captain’s seat and being the troublemaker he is, TEENage writer Oniel Grant just had to try steering the ship himself; can anyone say, aye, aye, Captain?

The digital maps on the ship cuts the tedious use of paper maps and compasses, which increases the risk of being lost. The computerised navigation system is updated with the ever-changing surface of the earth, allowing the passengers to keep on the right path to their destination.

Humanitarian groups like Project Hands Clasp uses the ship as a vessel of transport to issues items like food and medical resources to selected countries in aid of rebuilding and improving them. The crew has so far donated beds and other medical supplies to the Port Antonio Hospital since they have been here, they have also provided a school in the community with books.

The inside of the ship proved to be entertaining as well as informative, but after over an hour it was time to rest our minds. On the flight deck we were given a chance to ask questions about the ship and its crew which consisted of 350 persons. We learnt that every morning those persons not on duty would swim from the ship to Navy Island, a small island on the coast of Port Antonio.

While we were on the ship those Navy men who were off duty had a barbeque on the sands of the Port Antonio’s Marina. So we headed back to land to lime with them. We lost track of time as the sailors shared stories and told us of their experiences in Jamaica. It was a great experience and TEENage was very happy to partake in such an event.

TEENage would like to offer special thanks to media co-ordinator Fern Whyte, for extending us with a wonderful experience.