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VBSS: Supporting the Maritime Strategy

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100917-06
9/17/2010

By Darryl Orrell, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) received high praise for the positive impact Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training has on fleet operations as Sailors and Marines rescued a merchant ship that had been seized by pirates Sept. 9.

"The events in the Gulf of Aden involving USS Dubuque (LPD 8), the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Maritime Raid Force (MRF), and the M/V Magellan Star illustrate what an awesome capability your efforts have brought to the table," said Rear Adm. Earl L. Gay, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3, in his remarks directed to the staff and instructors of CENSECFOR Learning Site San Diego.

Dubuque, with an embarked team from the 15th MEU MRF boarded the foreign shipping vessel, M/V Magellan Star, in the Gulf of Aden Sept. 9, after the vessel was seized by pirates.

"Your dedication to the tactical development, equipment procurement, and training of our Sailors and Marines have resulted in the safe recovery of a ship, her valuable cargo and, most importantly, the lives of her crew," said Gay.

VBSS emerged after the initial Gulf War (1990/91) as a measure to support continued maritime interdiction operations imposed by United Nations resolutions. Today's VBSS training covers areas such as tactical team movements, self-defense tactics, boarding tactics, climbing and repelling techniques, and more.

"VBSS training will continue to play a vital role in the Navy's maritime strategy imparting the necessary knowledge and skills to our Sailors in the safe and effective boarding of compliant and non-compliant vessels," said Capt. Peter H. Jefferson, CENSECFOR commanding officer.

CENSECFOR offers VBSS training at its Chesapeake, Va.; Mayport, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii learning sites.

For more information about VBSS, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf/.

For more news from Center for Security Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/csf/.