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Patriot Sailors Train with Bangladesh Navy

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100323-08
Release Date: 3/23/2010 4:21:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin, Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (NNS) -- USS Patriot (MCM 7) departed Chittagong, Bangladesh, after a six-day port visit March 19.

During the visit, Patriot Sailors trained with the Bangladesh Navy.

The training culminated in Bangladesh Sailors putting on firefighting ensembles, picking up a firehose and participating in a fire drill aboard Patriot.

Bangladesh Sailors impressed Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Hank Terford, Patriot's damage control training team coordinator.

"It seems like they were very familiar with the equipment and well trained in the firefighting aspects as well. They said a lot of our things are similar to theirs, with the exception of the firefighting coveralls...They were effective. They would have been able to put out a fire on our ship. So, it was a good day, a good drill," said Terford.

Five officers and 10 enlisted Sailors from the Bangladesh Navy sailed underway with Patriot for a magnetic minesweeping demonstration.

Lt. Cmdr. Mizanur Rahman of the Bangladesh Navy saw similarities and differences in the way the two navies sweep for mines.

"We highly benefitted, and we saw the difference between your operation and my operation," said Rahman, who participated in the minesweeping demonstration.

There was also classroom training conducted on the mess decks of Patriot. Slide presentations were used to explain the theory and practice of minesweeping.

"The presentation from your part about the MCM (mine countermeasure ship), it was very nice. They briefed us about the mine hunting, also the minesweeping procedure...it will be very fruitful for us. So, I think it should continue, and we can learn more from you," said Lt. Cmdr Shahed Sattar of the Bangladesh Navy.

USS Patriot is one of four mine countermeasure ships forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. The crew reports to Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.