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RIVRON 1 Conducts Unit Level Training Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070125-11
Release Date: 1/25/2007 3:41:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Ray Hendrix, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

FORT PICKETT, Va. (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 and other Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) forces completed a unit level training (ULT) exercise Jan. 16-24 at Fort Pickett.

The exericise was designed to imitate challenges that might occer when RIVRON 1 deploys to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in the Central Command area of operations.

Capt. Michael Jordan, Commander, Riverine Group (RIVGRU) 1, explained how the training provides the best possible preparation.

“We will be going up against insurgent activity, and we need to have the full capability to be able to attack small arms, rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs),” said Jordan.

The first three days of training consisted of live fire exercises on convoy ranges and waterways to gain target shooting proficiency, said Lt. Cmdr. Craig Trent, a NECC training officer.

The following three days consisted of convoy procedures in urban environments, boat operations engaging and neutralizing six to eight insurgent encounters, medical training scenarios, and use of language and cultural interactions with Iraqi role players provided by Strategic Operations Inc. from San Diego.

“They’ve made this training exercise as realistic as they can without actually being in Iraq,” said Gunner’s Mate Seaman Daniel Macklin, assigned to RIVRON 1 as a small unit riverine craft (SURC) bow gunner. “The stress factors during the exercise make you ask yourself three important questions: Is it necessary? Can I duplicate it under stress? And, does it work? When you have those three things thrown at you all at once, you have to learn how to deal with various things skillfully.”

Lt. Chris Cowart, a RIVGRU 1 training officer, highlighted that the training is to help identify and correct any type of mishap that could possible affect the mission when deployed.

“That’s really the scope of what we are trying to communicate to the squadron, because out in theater we must stick to our mission that we have intensively trained for,” said Cowart.

Macklin said he is grateful for the training and is looking forward to deploying in the near future.

“I’ve been with this command since February 2006. I believe in the cause, and I’m ready to [deploy] because I’ve gone through so much training now. I’m ready to make an impact,” said Macklin.

In January 2006, the Navy created the NECC, bringing Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Naval Coastal Warfare, Riverine forces, Combat Camera Atlantic, the Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support functions and the Seabees under one umbrella. NECC integrates all warfighting requirements for expeditionary combat and combat support elements. This transformation allows for standardized training, manning and equipping of Sailors who will participate in the maritime security operations and the Global War on Terrorism as part of the joint force.