Sailors from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) participated in joint training for visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) procedures with members of the Croatian and Slovenian navies during a scheduled port visit to Split, Croatia Oct. 7.
The team demonstrated some techniques and gave a ship tour to the Slovenian and Croatian military members aboard Mesa Verde before moving to the Croatian ship HMR Cetina (DBM-81) in Croatian rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) for a series of pre-planned scenarios.
The American, Croatian and Slovenian teams performed an integrated boarding via ladder, but also individually demonstrated standard operating procedures for situations such as clearing corners and rooms aboard the ship and finding an undisclosed weapon.
Slovenian navy First Lieutenant Grega Tusar, executive officer of the Slovenian ship FPS Ankaran 21, said he enjoyed seeing training being put into practice.
Participants said the interaction between countries was useful because each group provided a different perspective and experiences. Although many of the procedures were similar, they said they also got to see areas where some techniques differed.
In addition to the training provided, the experience was also valuable as an opportunity for individuals from around the world to interact with one another.
[mappress] Press Release, October 08, 2014; Image: US Navy