Riverine Squadron 3, Royal Netherlands Marines Conduct Cross Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SCW) Paul D. Williams, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3, Det. 1, Sailors spent three weeks aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., cross-training with Dutch marines from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps to exchange tactics and refine their skills as combat boat crewmen, March 14 through April 1.

The training was the first portion of a six-week cross-training schedule providing riverines the opportunity to share their knowledge of river warfare. The next phase of training focuses on amphibious ship-to-shore operations provided by the Netherlands marines.

"As Riverines we haven't done over-the-horizon or amphibious operations," said Lt. j.g. Michael Diehl, RIVRON 3, detachment 1 officer-in-charge. "We can give them our experience and knowledge in the brown water, and when we train with the Dutch later this year, they can pass along their experiences and educate us."

The Caribbean-based Dutch marines conduct amphibious based missions out of Aruba and Curassow including hurricane preparation and relief, anti-piracy interdictions and boarding operations. The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps recently purchased boats allowing them to integrate river based operations as a part of their mission skill sets.

"We are setting up a riverine capability," said Royal Netherlands Marine Corps Lt. Macheal Bussemaker, platoon commander. "We are primarily trained in using amphibious ships off coastal waters, and we are now bringing up the notion of pushing through to brown water delta areas. We don't have any operational experience in using the brown water, but the Riverines, with their experiences in Iraq, do."

During the three-week training, RIVRON 3 provided Dutch marines with the chance to practice riverine boat maneuvers using the Riverine Patrol Boat and the Riverine Assault Boat. They also provided training on riverine security tactics and combat skills.

This isn't the first time Riverines have trained with other nations' militaries on river combat tactics. In May 2008, Riverines in Iraq shifted their mission from combat operations to a training mission to assist in the turnover of inland waterways control back to the Iraqi military.

Since then they have performed other cross-training missions with the British and the Panamanians, providing a unique capability that allows the U.S. and its allies the ability to conduct maritime security on rivers and inland waterways.

"The capabilities and the equipment that Riverines have are specially made for riverine operations; they are built for combat," said Bussemaker. "Seeing how the Riverines operate is very helpful to us because we can use it ourselves when we are going into our own rivers of operation."

According to Diehl, the Dutch marines have adopted the training provided by RIVRON 3 very quickly.

"The Dutch have been amazing, and these guys are seasoned operators," said Diehl. "They came to the table prepared, and they're well versed warfighters. These guys are now deploying tactics and making smart decisions that, in real river combat, will save people's lives."

Riverine Sailors continue to build allies around the world and create multinational expertise that can be applied across the spectrum of warfare.