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NAVELSG Trains for Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060921-15
Release Date: 9/21/2006 3:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chad Hallford, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- About 240 Sailors prepared for deployment as part of Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) Forward ECHO to provide cargo-handling logistics support for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sept. 18, at NAVELSG headquarters in Williamsburg, Va.

Upon completion of training, they will deploy to the Middle East as part of NAVELSG Forward Headquarters ECHO, the fifth rotation of Navy Reservists mobilized to perform a cargo-handling mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Sailors will conduct port operations in Kuwait and air cargo operations in Iraq. They will relieve Port Group DELTA, which was deployed in April 2006, to provide combat service support through logistics port operations in Kuwait.

“I am undergoing KALMAR (specialized container-handling equipment) training to become a licensed examiner – so I can qualify these Sailors to become operators as per U.S. Army orders,” said Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) Jeff Cureton, an activated Reservist going through the pre-deployment training.

Since most of the equipment used to conduct cargo handling is owned by the Army, becoming familiar with the operations and safety concerns while using the various forklifts were the main goals for Cureton during this training.

“Our mission is to provide expeditionary logistics support to Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guard in the area,” said Capt. Terry Rivenbark, commanding officer of NAVELSG Forward ECHO, “primarily in two areas – cargo handling and customs missions.”

Because of the danger in conducting these operations, additional training in self defense and life saving are also key elements in the training.

For Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tom Fetters, a Reservist mobilized to the NAVELSG headquarters staff, his ability to support the operation is paramount.

“There are not enough medics, so the Army Combat Life Saver (Training) was initiated by the Army to provide more medical coverage in theater,” he said.

The additional personnel trained and ready to answer the call, if needed, could make a difference if a situation arises.

“It is basically insurance for us that if the hospital corpsman is not on scene, that one of their shipmates is a combat life saver with advanced first-aid training who can stabilize the casualty until the medic arrives, or in case the medic is that casualty,” said Fetters.

In addition to cargo handling instruction, the Reservists also received M-16 rifle and 9mm training with both simulated and live ammunition.

“The training is to ensure they are basically comfortable and familiar with the weapons before the range — as the Reservists arrive unsure - but in turn, this increases their qualification on the range,” said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Michael Cannizzaro from NAVELSG.

“We can hardly wait to get started,” said Rivenbark. “We want to thank the families of these Sailors. Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing now.”

These Sailors received official notification of their mobilization in July and are expected to deploy in early October.