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Navy Dive Southern Partnership Station 2011 a Success in Barbados

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110620-03
6/20/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (NNS) -- U.S. Navy divers from Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 Company 23, concluded a two-week training evolution with multinational Caribbean divers in Barbados, June 17.

MDSU 2 Company 23 trained divers from seven Caribbean countries on basic dive medicine, anti-terrorism force protection diving, lift bag procedures and chamber operations.

"It was an overall great experience working with the Caribbean divers," said Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Arnold, MDSU 2 Company 23. "I especially enjoyed the exchange of knowledge amongst each other."

Many difficulties can arise while working in different countries. One of the most prominent is cultural differences.

"Dealing with cultural differences was a challenge at first," said Arnold. "It was great to see everything smooth-out and come together in the end."

For many of the divers, U.S. and Caribbean, this is there second venture together.

"It is great to see that they are implementing the training we gave two years ago," said Navy Diver 2nd Class Zach Dojaquez. "They are now more dedicated to learning and sharing their own experiences."

The training is pertinent to diving operations in the Caribbean, allowing the divers of the Caribbean nations to come together and learn the same system.

"It is a wonderful experience for the Caribbean divers, learning the different equipment and technology that U.S. divers have to offer," said Chief Petty Officer Austin Howell, Barbados coast guard. "It allows us to work together safely as a team, sharing tactics in the water."

The Barbados coast guard hosted a closing ceremony in celebration of the event and continued the camaraderie with a fish cookout and socializing.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.