11/06/2014: In a story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jared Aldape, Bold Alligator 2014 Public Affairs:
MOREHEAD, N.C (NNS) — Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 4 completed a training milestone by completing a successful visit, board search and seizure (VBSS) within a simulated environment during exercise Bold Alligator, Nov. 2.
Sailors boarded Navy training boat USNS Hunter (8202) to demonstrate and put into action the skill sets they learned while attending the three-week VBSS course in Norfolk, Virginia.
“Due to the unique capability that the Coastal Riverine Squadron offers, we routinely certify and re-certify our personnel in the VBSS course,” said Lt. j.g. Kristopher DeVisser, assigned to CRS 4 and an assistant boarding officer during the event.
In the scenario, the team made contact with the Hunter, and requested to board and conduct a search.
Electronics Technician 3rd Class Nathaniel James, also assigned to CRS 4, assisted in keeping the communication clear between team members and their operation center.
“Communication is key because things can change on the fly,” said James. ”
Additionally, in an ideal scenario we are prepped with intelligence of any craft we board, but that may change as well.
Keeping that unbroken line of communication helps mitigate some of the unexpected and possible danger situations we encounter.”
Safety observers and evaluators were on hand to make sure the exercise operated without incident or accident. As the event concluded it was apparent that the crews teamwork had passed the evaluation.
“We rely on our training: train like you fight, fight like you train,” said DeVisser. “Everyone here has a good grasp of what we’d been taught during the course.”
Bold Alligator is intended to improve Navy and Marine Corps amphibious core competencies.
Working with coalition, NATO, allied and partner nations is a necessary investment in the current and future readiness of our forces.
The exercise takes place Oct. 29 – Nov. 10, afloat and ashore along the Eastern seaboard.
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=84276
The video was shot by Marine Corps Installations East Combat Camera:10/30/14