USA: Naval Reservists of CRS 8 Hone Their Skills

Three-hundred Navy Reservists from Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 8 conducted training and field exercises at Naval Station Newport, R.I., Aug. 12-23, as part of their annual training. 

The two-week training tested the unit’s readiness to fulfill its worldwide missions that include harbor and homeland defense, coastal surveillance and special missions.

“We can provide anti-terrorism/force protection for Navy assets anywhere in the world,” said Capt. Guy Vilardi, commanding officer of CRS 8. “Our annual training is critically important to our ability to execute any assigned mission, and we are grateful for Naval Station Newport’s tremendous efforts to support us.”

As one of the largest commissioned Reserve units in the Navy, members of the squadron were engaged in waterside and landward security training that included tactical field care and evacuation of injured personnel, port and harbor security as well as tactical day and night operations in the bay, launched from Stillwater Basin.

“To immediately put into practice what we learned, in and out of the classroom, was an outstanding experience during the annual training,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Christopher Hebert, assigned to CRS 8. “It was also great to have the opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices with my fellow shipmates in my rate.”

CRS 8 is a Navy Reserve unit based at Naval Station Newport, R.I., with companies in Newport; Annapolis, Md.; and Groton, Conn. Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, high value asset protection, offensive combat operations and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways.

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Press Release, August 26, 2013; Image: US Navy