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Navy Reservists Mobilized to Continue Customs Inspection Mission

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050725-02
Release Date: 7/25/2005 9:49:00 AM

By Lt. Karin R. Burzynski, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force Public Affairs

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- More than 450 Navy Reservists mobilized by the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force (NAVELSF) began four weeks of intensive customs inspections training in Williamsburg, Va., July 22.

Relieving the Navy’s first battalion, “OSCAR,” mobilized to fulfill this mission in Iraq and Kuwait, NAVELSF will continue to fulfill a customs inspection mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“We are proud to continue this vital mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Cmdr. Bingham, battalion leader. "Navy personnel will work directly for the Army to provide this first-ever combat service support mission."

These Sailors, who are being drawn from more than 110 Navy Reserve activities across the United States representing almost every state, will serve as Department of Defense customs inspectors in Iraq and Kuwait. As members of the newly formed "NAVELSF Customs Battalion PAPA" they will execute a two-fold mission: ensure returning military equipment conforms to United States Department of Agriculture standards, and ensure all gear returning with personnel serving abroad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom complies with United States customs regulations.

Customs inspectors are the first line of defense against the introduction of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases to the United States, and help prevent contraband from entering the country. The customs inspections training, which will take place at NAVELSF facilities at Cheatham Annex and at Army training sites in nearby Fort Eustis, includes weapons; chemical, biological and radiological defense; self and perimeter defense; HMMWV vehicle operation; combat life saving and first aid; and customs and agriculture inspection.

"When it comes to training, ‘good enough’ will never be good enough. We have to always be better, and the training cycle will continue even when these Sailors are deployed," said Bingham. "We are committed to making sure that each Sailor receives the training he or she needs to meet or exceed the mission requirements," he added.

NAVELSF is an operational force of the Navy's U.S. Fleet Forces Command organized and staffed to deliver expeditionary logistics capabilities with mobilization ready Navy Reserve Force Sailors and equipment to theater commanders in support of the national military strategy. NAVELSF consists of a full-time and selective reserve support staff, Navy Cargo Handling Battalions, Navy Supply Support Battalions, an Expeditionary Logistics Response Center, and Naval Ordnance Reporting and Handling Battalion. The command supports more than 4,000 Navy Reservists located throughout the United States, encompassing more than 90 percent of the U.S. Navy's Supply and Transportation Expeditionary Units.