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Nassau Strike Group Successfully Completes Force Protection Certification Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071109-22
Release Date: 11/9/2007 2:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Wyscaver, Nassau Strike Group Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors with the Nassau Strike Group (NASSG) successfully completed its Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection certification exercise on Naval Station Norfolk Nov. 1-2 in an effort to enhance the strike group's security capabilities through training.

Sailors from USS Nassau (LHA 4), USS Ross (DDG 71), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Nashville (LPD 13), and USS Ashland (LSD 48) experienced a variety of simulated terrorist events in real-world land, sea and air situations.

"This exercise included a series of drills to exercise our ability to protect ships and their crew members. Vehicle-born IED's, suspicious packages and premeditated attacks were just a few of the incidents Sailors experienced during this training exercise," said Lt. Rodney Kelly, Phillipine Sea weapons officer.

Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL) organized the exercise ensuring that each NASSG ship had the opportunity to partake in the events and receive a grade on their performance.

Once the ships successfully passed each of the outlined areas they received a certification highlighting their accomplishments throughout the training exercise. Of the ships tested, Nassau and Philippine Sea received perfect grades, prompting a "Bravo Zulu" from commander, 2nd Fleet.

"Each ship goes through this Force Protection exercise every two years," explained Chief Warrant Officer Tracy McIntyre, anti-terrorism force protection officer for NASSG. "They have to successfully pass 12 out of the 15 drills and get an 80 percent score to receive a Second Fleet certification."

"It's important for each of the ships to become certified because once they are overseas they're going to have to respond to a variety of situations similar to the ones they faced in the two-day exercise," said William Cohen, an engineering technician with CSFTL.

Through this exercise, some Sailors were also given the opportunity to volunteer to play the role of a 'terrorist' and assist in testing the abilities of each ship's force protection. Without warning, these individuals would carry out mock terrorist activities and try to elude force protection members before eventually being apprehended.

"My role during the exercise was to create a diversion by distracting the watches so the simulated terrorists could carry-out their actions," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Earl Stagg of Bulkeley. "One thing I will take away from my role in this training is the importance of always keeping your eyes open and being aware of your surroundings. Anything can happen at anytime."

"This was a great opportunity for me and my shipmates to participate in the training evolution which allowed us to showcase our ability to demonstrate effective force-protection tactics in a variety of circumstances," said Kelly.

Force protection plays a vital role in the everyday lives of service members and the overall mission of the military. In order to maintain the safety and the well-being of all, service members must ensure they can handle any situation with a moment's notice.

"There are people out there that unfortunately want to do us harm. These types of exercises give us as Sailors the opportunity to enhance our force protection abilities as a strike group and prepare for real-world situations," said Kelly.