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Rapidly Deployable Reservists Gets Ready for Global Security Ops

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090731-33
Release Date: 7/31/2009 10:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael S. Howlett, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- Reserve Sailors from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 9 are conducting their annual training on Whidbey Island by honing their skills on shore, in the classroom and on the water during a training exercise held July 18-31.

MSRON 9 is a rapidly deployable unit that can operate anywhere in the world. The squadron is responsible for port security and harbor defense, coordinating shore and force protection for ships in transit through ports and providing security for high value assets in harbors and littoral waters. The squadron also conducts surveillance, waterborne interdiction and anti-terrorism activities around oil platforms.

According to Command Master Chief (EXW/SW) Randy Dobbins, this annual training ensures the unit gets to know the equipment they'll be using to carry out those missions when they mobilize.

"The point of this training is for the Sailors to know where things are and practice, practice, practice," said Dobbins.

Another incentive offered to members of the squadron is the opportunity to earn the Navy's newest warfare qualification, expeditionary warfare (EXW). One element of that qualification is an advanced first aid course called Expeditionary Advanced First Aid (EAFA), which is taught by the squadron's hospital corpsmen.

"It's mandatory for at least 10 percent of the boat crews to go through EAFA," explained Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Travis Lester, from Portland, Ore. "But the real draw to the program is that it is also a requirement for their EXW pins."

The medical training culminated in a mass-casualty exercise with a simulated explosion on one of the patrol boats. The boat crew had to evacuate the injured crewmen under fire and then treat them on shore. The students learned how heavy a patient can be and had to cope with the stress of the situation effectively to qualify.

The opportunity to work on fast, agile boats is a draw for Reservists looking to join MSRON 9, and the squadron is always recruiting. However, interested Navy Reserve Sailors must be aware that there are special requirements, including advanced swimming, weapons qualifications and being mobilization capable.

Sonar Technician-Surface 3rd Class Jonathan Duenas, from Vancouver, Wash., looks forward to his first mobilization.

"I've been with the unit for a year and am training to mobilize. I can't wait to go," said Duenas. "I love being around the boats. The training has been great. We are a close group and really help each other out."