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RIVRON 1 Ready to Deploy to Iraq

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081024-20
Release Date: 10/24/2008 9:59:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class(SCW) Paul D. Williams, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 has completed training for deployment and is set to deploy in November in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) for the second time in 36 months.

In February 2007, RIVRON 1 was the first riverine squadron to be commissioned and deploy since the Vietnam era when Navy swift boats patrolled inland waterways. RIVRON 1 will be the first riverine squadron to deploy for a second time as part of OIF.

Since their return from Iraq last September, RIVRON 1 Sailors have spent a lot of time preparing for the upcoming deployment.

"It's a never ending process to refine ourselves," said Cmdr. Gary Leigh, the squadron's commanding officer. "The training cycle starts 30 days after we get home and runs right up to the point we leave for our next deployment."

During homeport training RIVRON 1 sent detachments to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to train with the Marine Corps to enhance combat skills. The squadron also deployed detachments to Fort A.P. Hill and Fort Pickett, Va., to train riverine Sailors to protect and monitor rivers from attack or insurgent activities. The training also allowed Sailors to refine techniques and procedures to secure rivers or small bodies of water from illegal transportation of weapons, people or materials.

For the upcoming deployment, RIVRON 1 Sailors are not just relying on their extensive training to successfully complete the mission but also on their experience. According to Leigh, the squadron's retention rate is more than 90 percent. This means nine out of 10 sailors in RIVRON 1 will be deploying to Iraq for the second time.

"For the Sailors going back, there is no hesitation; they're locked on and motivated to go," said Leigh.

"We are ready to go and start the mission that we were trained to do," said Engineman 1st Class (EXW/SW) Philip Marshall, one of the Sailors deploying again.

Protecting and operating in the world's 113 major river systems can be an essential part of succeeding in the global war on terrorism. The U.S. Navy riverine force operating in this brown-water environment proved to be successful in the past and will continue to be relevant in today's unpredictable battlefield.