Navy, Coast Guard Practice Maritime Security During Combined Exercises
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050527-15
Release Date: 5/27/2005 9:46:00 PM
By Journalist Seaman S.C. Irwin, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
LONG BEACH, Calif. (NNS) -- Sailors and Coast Guardsmen trained with more than 1,200 policemen, firefighters and other state, local and federal officials during the week-long annual Lead Shield III and Roguex V exercises, which began May 23.
Lead Shield III and Roguex V are port and offshore-based exercises that test and evaluate maritime security at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
“Since Sept. 11, there have been huge changes in the way we carry out maritime security measures,” said U.S. 3rd Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Barry Costello. “The Navy and Coast Guard team is committed to finding better ways to protect our coasts.”
The exercise pitted military members and civil servants against mock terrorist attacks, including large truck explosions, shipping berth container explosions and mine strikes, to test and help maintain port operations.
In addition to the exercise, nearly 50 guests from the Los Angeles and Long Beach areas gathered at San Pedro’s Coast Guard Integrated Support Command May 24 for a distinguished visitor’s day intended to explicate Navy and Coast Guard maritime security collaborations.
Visitors observed a demonstration by an explosive ordnance disposal unit and its dolphins trained to detect explosives in shallow water. A narcotics search and seizure team also rappelled from helicopters, with drug-sniffing dogs in tow, onto a Coast Guard ship.
“It's marvelous how the U.S. brings so many agencies together in one command,” said Singaporean Army Lt. Col. Tan Yong Kee, one of the visitors observing the demonstration. “Seeing the transfer of the dogs from the helicopter to the ship was very interesting. We (Singapore) currently don’t have this type of program.”
Additionally, guests viewed presentations about the Lead Shield III and Roguex V exercises, and were briefed on the progress and effectiveness of the training.
“This day was informative. It was important for me to know our capabilities and the tactics available if ever a situation should arise,” said FBI-Los Angeles Assistant Director in Charge Richard Garcia. “It gives me a sense of security to know that there are people fighting to keep me safe.”
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