JMSDF Sailors Undergo Boarding Ops Training

Sailors with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) received hands-on training at the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment Pearl Harbor July 2, on how U.S. Navy Sailors conduct boarding operations at sea.

U.S. Navy Non-Compliant Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (NCB-VBSS) teams are comprised of an all-volunteer force. Those who volunteer undergo specialized training provided by CENSECFOR in order to best prepare them for executing the maritime interdiction role around the world. That mission has become a formidable force and a key element to the Navy’s Maritime Strategy.

As part of RIMPAC 2014, Sailors from JS Ise (DDH 182) and JS Kirishima (DDG 174), 45 in all, participated in a tailored four-day NCB-VBSS training program.

The Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) is the largest U.S. Navy-led international exercise. The exercise is conducted every two years and this year features 22 countries; 55 vessels; 200 aircraft, and more than 25,000 military personnel. RIMPAC 2014 marks the third year CENSECFOR has facilitated hands-on NCB-VBSS training for JMSDF Sailors.

The training included techniques in defensive tactics, tactical team movements, and much more. To enhance realism, the majority of training took place in the Force Protection Ship Simulator (FPSS), commonly referred to as “Ship in a Box.”

The FPSS is a ship mock-up complete with berthing areas, crews lounge, an engineering plant, a dining area, medical facilities, and cargo holds. The layout mimics all the sights, sounds, smells and obstacles that would be commonly found on such a vessel. The FPSS provides the means for students to apply the VBSS skills they have learned through realistic role-playing scenarios.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world.

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Press Release, July 08, 2014; Image: US Navy