Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 4 completed a training milestone by completing a successful visit, board search and seizure (VBSS) within a simulated environment during exercise Bold Alligator, Nov. 2.
Sailors boarded Navy training boat USNS Hunter (8202) to demonstrate and put into action the skill sets they learned while attending the three-week VBSS course in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lt. j.g. Kristopher DeVisser, assigned to CRS 4 and an assistant boarding officer during the event, said:
Due to the unique capability that the Coastal Riverine Squadron offers, we routinely certify and re-certify our personnel in the VBSS course.
In the scenario, the team made contact with the Hunter, and requested to board and conduct a search.
Electronics Technician 3rd Class Nathaniel James, also assigned to CRS 4, assisted in keeping the communication clear between team members and their operation center.
Communication is key because things can change on the fly.
Additionally, in an ideal scenario we are prepped with intelligence of any craft we board, but that may change as well. Keeping that unbroken line of communication helps mitigate some of the unexpected and possible danger situations we encounter.
Safety observers and evaluators were on hand to make sure the exercise operated without incident or accident. As the event concluded it was apparent that the crews teamwork had passed the evaluation.
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Press release, Image: US Navy