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Navy Cargo Handlers Complete Final Pre-Deployment Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060407-09
Release Date: 4/7/2006 11:07:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Recruit Jeff Hall, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

WILLIAMBSURG, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Delta (NAVELSG DELTA) completed their final phase of training April 5, at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Yorktown, Cheatham Annex and Fort Eustis before they deploy to provide combat service support as cargo handlers in Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The group is made up of about 210 reserve and 50 active component Sailors who have been training together since March 20.

The 50 active-duty Sailors are attached to Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 in Williamsburg and 150 of the Reservists come primarily from NCHB 12, headquartered in Bessemer, Ala. Additional Sailors come from Navy Ordnance Reporting and Handling Battalion 1, Companies Echo from Earle, N.J., and Foxtrot from Bronx, N.Y., Navy Air Cargo Handling Battalion 1 from Williamsburg and NCHB 8 from Fort Dix, N.J.

All of NAVELSG DELTA received basic training in combat skills; chemical, biological, and radiological defense equipment; physical fitness; and cultural awareness. Specific groups also took 40-hour courses in combat lifesaving and KALMAR heavy forklift operations.

The KALMAR heavy forklifts help move large cargo containers filled with needed equipment and supplies from ships in port to staging areas for use during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“It’s a pretty complex piece of equipment and it’s state of the art,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Anthony Jones. “I’m very impressed with it.”

Ten percent of the Sailors from DELTA volunteered to undergo the Army’s combat lifesaving course. Three groups cared for Sailors during a simulated mortar attack at NWS Yorkotwn’s dining facility. The Sailors checked for injuries, applied bandages and splints, performed CPR and used stretchers to transport the injured Sailors for further treatment.

The Sailors who complete the course become Army Combat Life Saver qualified and will be divided throughout NAVELSG DELTA’s operational area to provide emergency medical assistance when needed.

“It keeps you well prepared, on your toes,” said Storekeeper Seaman Matthew Noles. “Anything may happen at any time. This gives hands on training. You get to see it as well as do it.”

Several months of training has prepared NAVELSG DELTA to complete their mission.

“They will be moving cargo and equipment, conducting customs work, as well as receiving, storing and transferring Marine air cargo,” said Capt. Gordon Livingston, group commander for NAVELSG Forward Headquarters.

“This is our opportunity,” said Cmdr. John Perrett, commanding officer of NAVELSG Port Group DELTA. “We have been on standby for several years. This is our chance.”