CORIVRON 2 Completes Training with Belize SBU During SPS 2014

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Schneider, Southern Partnership Station 2014 Public Affairs Ashore

PUNTA GORDA, Belize (NNS) -- Coastal Riverine Squadron (CORIVRON) 2, held an end-of-mission ceremony at Camp Fairweather, July 11, in support of Southern Partnership Station 2014 (SPS-JHSV 14).

Over the last six weeks, CORIVRON 2 trained the Belize Small Boat Unit (SBU) service members in riverine operations, insertion and extraction missions, river patrols and interdictions.

"This was a valuable training opportunity for us," said Belize Defense Force Lt. Col. James Requeña, 1st Infantry Battalion commanding officer. "I loved seeing how well we worked together in the classroom or out in the field."

A unique aspect about this years training is that several of the trainers that were part of Southern Partnership Station 2013 returned for SPS-JHSV 14.

"One of the things that really impressed me and the team is how much you all retained the knowledge that the past two training teams have taught you," said U.S. Navy Lt. Sean Tucker, CORIVRON 2 officer in charge from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. "This made it easier to move on into advance tactics and techniques."

Toward the end of the training, the Belize SBU learned something new while working alongside CORIVRON 2 Sailors to help them better stabilize security in their region.

The ceremony concluded with Belize SBU service members receiving graduation certificates and awards for their hard work and dedication.

Military Sealift Command joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) is scheduled to return to Belize to reload and transport service members to Guatemala to continue the SPS-JHSV 14 mission.

SPS-JHSV 14 is a U.S. Navy deployment focused on subject matter expert exchanges with partner nation militaries and security forces. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet employ maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.