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Navy Security Team Trains with Salvadoran Security Forces

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110224-16
2/24/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Williams, High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) Public Affairs

PUERTO CORSAIN, El Salvador (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to a U.S. Navy security team concluded a week-long subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) with Salvadoran sailors, port authority officers and police officers at Puerto Corsain, El Salvador, Feb. 24.

The SMEE was in support of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011, and included classroom and practical application courses in felony traffic stops, tactical team movement, apprehension and transport procedures.

"We're covering the basics of several security procedures and partnering to exchange information that will be mutually beneficial in enhancing our operational capabilities," said Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Charles Mobley.

"This training is vital for our troops, because they encounter these scenarios on a daily basis, and by learning new operational techniques they can become more efficient in the performance of their duties," said Salvadoran Lt. Cmdr. Fernando Aguilar, who served as translator and facilitator for the training.

The classroom portion of the training was conducted on board High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), and the practical application portion took place at various locations at Puerto Corsain and the local naval base.

"This is just one facet of a long-term strategic maritime partnership we have with the Salvadoran government," said Lt. j.g. Larron White, SPS 2011 security team officer-in-charge. "We are committed to continuing to build and foster enduring relationships in this region, and this is a prime example of that commitment."

The SPS 2011 security team also has conducted information exchanges and partnerships in Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala and Peru.

SPS 11 is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is information-sharing with navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout the region.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) is the naval component command for U.S. Southern Command and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility.

COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. maritime strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations, and counter-illicit trafficking operations.