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Navy Works Around the Clock to Get Troops in Transit Home

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061230-03
Release Date: 12/30/2006 8:52:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth R. Hendrix, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Public Affairs

KUWAIT (NNS) -- Navy Customs Battalion Romeo, consisting of Navy Reservists mobilized, trained, equipped and deployed by Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, cleared the luggage of more than 600 troops heading home for the holidays Dec. 23.

Navy Customs Battalion Romeo is tasked with inspecting items such as regular personal baggage, vehicles, and any type of military equipment returning to the United States. This ensures that any type of pests, foreign plants, or contraband items do not enter the United States.

“We want to prevent contraband items from entering the United States and protect the integrity of America,” said Senior Chief Operations Specialist Roy McDonald, leading senior chief petty officer. “We need to maintain sterility at all times, which is why it looks like a prison around here with the barbed wire and chain linked fencing."

Sailors are cross-trained and qualified in all areas of the operation from briefing, x-raying, inspecting bags and supervising, which allows them to rotate and do different types of tasks.

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Evelyn Sellers enjoys x-raying luggage.

“I love x-raying; it makes time go by fast once you get the hang of it,” Sellers said.

During the x-ray process, inspectors are looking for metal objects like ammunition, magazines, grenades and explosives.

After the x-ray process the troop's possessions are searched thoroughly by inspectors like Storekeeper 3rd Class (SW) Natasha Ograrro.

“I like meeting new people and hearing stories, which is why I like doing the bag inspection process,” Ograrro said.

The troops returning home also play an important role in the inspection process.

“We have the troops help us out by taking care of their people’s things,” said Aviation Electronic’s Mate 3rd Class Duston Dean. “The only time we actually have to touch anything, is when it’s on the inspection table and we’re searching through it to make sure there is nothing illegal or contraband items in the bags. They have control of their bags, and we have control of making sure that the luggage stays sterile.”

Military personnel going through the whole procedure of being inspected, like Pfc. Matthew Brantley, assigned to 4th Brigade 25th Infantry Division, understands the job the Navy does everyday.

“Everything was pretty thorough and I like how everything is set up in different stages to make things simple. They have people in charge that know what they’re doing and it makes time go by faster,” Brantley said. “I think it’s necessary to inspect. Even though many do not like being inspected, someone could have items their not supposed to take back to the country.”

Once everyone is cleared from the inspection process they receive their itineraries and plane tickets back home to the United States.

Navy Custom Battalion Romeo took over from Navy Customs Battalion Papa Sept. 18 and to date has inspected more than 100,000 troops redeploying or taking rest and relaxation back in the U.S.