Bulkeley Conducts Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Training
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080307-06
Release Date: 3/7/2008 9:56:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Wyscaver, Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
USS BULKELEY, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) is conducting Anti-Terrorism Force Protection (AT-FP) training during their current deployment.
"This training is important for all armed watch standers," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Anwar Blakely, AT-FP training supervisor onboard Bulkeley. "We're teaching these Sailors in nonlethal weapons as well as unarmed combat training used in various situations overseas or even in homeport if deemed necessary."
"I feel force protection is just as important when we are in homeport as to when we are overseas," said Fire Controlman Chief (SW) Michael Fluent, AT-FP training supervisor onboard Bulkeley. "We always need to be looking for that potential violent threat or attack towards us and we prepare accordingly."
During these training sessions, Sailors receive hands-on demonstrations from AT-FP supervisors on how to properly formulate and execute baton usage, various offensive strike methods, and defensive block techniques.
"When and if we fall under attack or become breached, it's definitely good to know we have effective, instinctive training to fall back on and utilize," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Seaman James Gaines, an AT-FP training participant.
In November 2007, the strike group's six ships, Bulkeley, USS Nassau (LHA 4), USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Ashland (LSD 48), USS Ross (DDG 71), and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) underwent a two-day force protection training exercise in Norfolk. All were certified, with Nassau and Philippine Sea earning perfect scores, marking the first time a 2nd Fleet strike group had all of its ships certify at once.
Fluent exlained relying on previous successes leads to complacency in real-world situations.
"If we don't continue to practice and sharpen these essential skills then we risk losing them and we can't afford to do that," he said.
Training puts an emphasis on mission readiness and provides vital skills in performing daily duties.
"I volunteered for this course because I want to learn more so I can be more prepared to handle many various types of situations," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Vladimir Arias, a pay-clerk onboard Bulkeley.
For more news from the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/esg8/.
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