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Milius Small Craft Action Team Completes Qualifications

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120313-28
3/13/2012

By Ensign Rhianna Cole, USS Milius Public Affairs

USS MILIUS, At sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Milius' (DDG 69) weapons department leadership finalized a ship-wide weapons qualification, March 2.

During the transit to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Milius' small arms experts held daily training for the small craft action team (SCAT) members and non-members. They were shown the fundamentals, usage and tactics of weapons handling.

SCAT is an on-call team and its members are trained to use various crew-served weapons that defend the ship when there is a limited distance to respond. They are one of the ship's critical lines of defense and support the fundamentals of maritime security operations.

"In addition to the training, the team stood a 3-section watch rotation to prepare for security operations," said Chief Fire Controlman Irvin Hay. "All team members are ready."

In just a month more than 50 personnel including non-SCAT members, earned their weapons qualifications, in the MH2B 50 caliber machine gun, MK38 25mm chain gun and M24DB machine gun.

In addition, nine Sailors qualified as gunnery liaison officers (GLO), demonstrating knowledge in the rules of engagement and coordinated responses to surface threats. GLOs are directly appointed by the commanding officer and are aware of a wide range of current threat situations and tactics, ensuring the safety of the ship.

The final gun shoot to qualify the SCAT members was not only successful, but conducted safely and efficiently.

"I was excited to get this opportunity," said SCAT member, Personnel Specialist Seaman Joshua Rodriguez. "I think its awesome being a member of the team; it's an important role."

Milius, a San Diego-based ship, is deployed independently to the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet area of responsibility, operating under Combined Task Force 152, conducting theater security cooperation efforts and maritime security operations.