• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Navy Customs Battalion Sierra Completes First Week of Predeployment Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070312-21
Release Date: 3/12/2007 5:47:00 PM

By Lt. Karin R. Burzynski, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Public Affairs

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Customs Battalion Sierra wrapped up its first week of predeployment training March 9 in Williamsburg, Va.

The 450 Navy Reservists will complete four weeks of training before deploying to Kuwait and Iraq to fulfill the Department of Defense’s customs inspection mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Training is coordinated by the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) and includes weapons familiarization and qualification; Humvee driving; chemical, biological and radiological defense; combat skills and customs inspection training.

In addition, about 20 percent of the battalion participated in a combat life saver course. Course instructors prefer to have students who want to take the course. Damage Controlman 3rd Class Michael J. Smith said he’s had courses like this as a civilian emergency medical technician.

“It was a great learning environment -- everything was hands-on,” Smith said. "The most challenging thing for me was trying not to hurt my shipmate when I was inserting an IV.”

This type of training was a first for Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Kristie Hamm.

“I got an e-mail from my training team leader asking for people interested in taking the course. I responded that I was and the next thing I knew I was signed up for the class,” Hamm said.

Leading Sierra, Cmdr. Paul Pender said the battalion is performing well.

"The enthusiasm, determination, and professionalism displayed by our Sailors this first week is remarkable, and I couldn't be prouder,” Pender said.

NAVELSG’s director of Readiness & Training, Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Tugade, says the first week of training has been successful for Sierra, which is the fifth mobilization for the customs mission.

“The first week of training has progressed smoothly with 48 personnel completing training in the Army Combat Lifesaver Course, 20 personnel completing Humvee driver training and 55 personnel qualifying on the M-16,” Tugade said. “Several teams have started combat skills training, which will provide them with basic fundamental skills to operate in theater.”

Once training is complete, Sierra will deploy to the Central Command area of responsibility to take over the mission from Navy Customs Battalion Romeo, which has been conducting the customs mission since September 2006.

“Everyone's confidence is growing with each training evolution, and we're eager to get to theater and relieve our shipmates in Customs Battalion Romeo,” Pender said.

Navy Customs Battalion Sierra includes Navy Reservists mobilized to active duty from 43 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.

NAVELSG is part of the Navy’s newest Echelon Type III command, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.