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Security Squadron Conducts AT/FP Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090417-10
Release Date: 4/17/2009 5:03:00 PM

By Clark Pierce, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Reservists assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 10, headquartered at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, completed an anti-terrorism and force protection (AT/FP) exercise April 5 at Naval Station (NS) Mayport.

Originally a maritime inshore underwater warfare unit, MSRON 10 was reorganized under Navy Expeditionary Combat Command in 2008. It now operates as one of five MSRON squadrons under Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 2, headquartered in Portsmouth, Va.

Under command of Capt. Carl Cusaac, MSRON 10 is organized as two boat divisions and a security division in Charleston, S.C., and as a communications/surveillance division and headquarters staff.

Command Master Chief James Pohlen explained that maritime expeditionary security squadrons conduct a wide range of AT/FP missions throughout the world.

Potential missions include: Harbor and high-value asset security through use of high-speed patrol boats; Embarked security protection for vessels unable to provide their own security; Landward security for high-visibility events such as vessel commissionings and fleet weeks; and perimeter security and force protection.

"Our boat divisions conduct force protection for military sealift command ships or contracted civilian vessels operating in harbors and coastal areas," said Pohlen. "We have a lot of new personnel on board, so this training exercise will initiate them to how we operate in the field. Training begins with operational checklists prior to forming our convoy at NAS Jax. Upon arrival at NS Mayport, we'll set up our perimeter, entry control points and tent camp. We'll also establish our communications, sensors/surveillance and launch our port security and interdiction boats.

"That's a lot of equipment to move safely and efficiently," Pohlen added. "In addition to answering waterborne threat scenarios in the basin, our boat crews will be practicing their navigation and general boat-handling skills. When this exercise wraps up [April 5], boat crews will travel up the St. Johns River and pull out of the water near the NAS Jax Boathouse. What we learn from this exercise will help us prepare for our large, week-long exercise coming up in June.

MSRON 10 is a Reserve unit with almost 500 billets, including an active duty staff of 15.

"Since our recent reorganization, we're mustering close to 400 Reservists - with more coming our way every day," Pohlen said. "This is good duty for Reserve Sailors because we do lots of hands-on stuff in the field. We own all sorts of vessels, vehicles and equipment that personnel must be licensed or certified to operate. It's a great place for just about every Navy surface rate.

"For instance, a young boatswain's mate can hone his or her small-craft handling skills, and gunner's mates can get qualified on a wide variety of weapons. Sailors can also earn their expeditionary warfare pin at MSRON 10," Pohlen concluded.

For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/.