Fort Mac Sailors learn from 'eye-opening' course
7th Fleet
Release Date: 1/28/2004
By Journalist 3rd Class Stephen Haynes, USS Fort McHenry public affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan -- USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) crewmembers attended a force protection training school to enhance their watch-standing skills while the ship was here for its annual Training Availability (TRAV) Jan. 12-24.
During TRAV, the majority of Fort McHenry's crew attend schools to enhance their professional knowledge of their jobs, and general Navy training, in this case, how to protect the ship from intruders.
"The force protection class teaches the students topics from general watch standing with a weapon, rules of engagement, proper use of a weapon, use of deadly force, checking for vehicle inspections and how to deal with explosives," said Ensign Suzanne Sampson, Fort McHenry's training officer. "This eye-opening course gives the students a reality check as to how easy it is to bypass check points, get unauthorized personnel or packages on the pier, and how to search the ship for unauthorized personnel."
Most of the hands-on training was in a simulated shipboard environment and taught by Afloat Training Group Western Pacific. The training involved using paint ball guns to simulate the guns and explosives a Sailor might face.
"The best part of the class was the paint ball scenarios that were thrown at us," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Adam Race, of Fort McHenry's combat systems department. "Each one was different, and we all learned lessons."
After each simulation, Fort McHenry's watch team would head back to the classroom to be debriefed on areas that needed improvement.
"The instructors were amazing, they took it seriously but at the same time they joked around, making it fun for us," said Disbursing Clerk Seamen Brandon Hendricks, of Fort McHenry's supply department. "They were very knowledgeable in their subject and had a very good working understanding of tactics and knew how to take advantage of the mistakes we made."
As the United States continues to fight the war on terrorism, schools such as this one are essential for protecting the ship.
"With terrorism heightened throughout the world, courses like these are very critical to the ship - as we are an asset and property of the U.S. government," said Sampson.
Fort McHenry is a dock landing ship permanently forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, as part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group.
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