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USS Monterey and Jamaica Engage in Theater Security Cooperation Exercises

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060522-05
Release Date: 5/22/2006 12:15:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Katherine Favell, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS MONTEREY, At sea (NNS) -- USS Monterey (CG 61) and Jamaica Defence Forces engaged in a Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) exercise May 15-16 in Kingston Harbor and ashore in Kingston, Jamaica.

Ten Jamaican service members embarked Monterey May 15 for training, tours and demonstrations. While aboard, they witnessed medical evacuation exercises, first-aid and damage control training, and took part in a .50 caliber machine gun firing exercise.

Jamaican Leading Seaman Michael Hydol said he and his fellow service members enjoyed their time aboard and hope to have the opportunity again.

“Everyone has been so friendly and so open with information; you can tell they really want to teach and help people do their jobs better,” he said.

While training took place aboard Monterey, U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 406 conducted training ashore with Jamaican Coast Guard members. Small boat maneuvering, boarding tactics and conflict resolution techniques were a few of the skills practiced.

Able Seaman Jenny Makhoul, the Jamaican coast guard’s assistant training officer, said the combined bodies of knowledge will serve her and her fellow service members well.

“We look forward to being able to put the training that we have gained together with the knowledge that we already have in order to become more proficient service members,” Makhoul said. “This has been a very valuable experience and we are very grateful for it.”

At the conclusion of the two-day training period, Monterey invited more than 50 dignitaries from Jamaica and several other countries and branches of armed forces aboard for a reception and a live demonstration.

A simulated unannounced night boarding demonstration included service members from LEDET 406, Jamaica Defence Force, Monterey’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 46 Grandmasters.

Monterey’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Robert Oldani, said the TSC was the culmination of a lot of hard work with a very successful end result.

“You just can’t believe the goodwill fostered, the regional partnerships reinforced here,” Oldani said. “This was a relatively complicated series of evolutions, and it has improved readiness and regional hemispheric stability. Across the board, from everyone involved, this has been an outstanding performance.”

Monterey is currently taking part in “Partnership of the Americas,” an opportunity for the U.S. Navy to enhance regional maritime security and strengthen ties through operations and exercises with Caribbean and Latin American partner nations.