NECC Units Complete Integrated Exercise

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Johny Michael, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Units from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) completed training toward certification for deployment after a week-long exercise centered in Yorktown, Va. that wrapped up Dec. 9.

Maritime Security Squadron (MSRON) 4 and Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 completed challenging exercises for more than a month for this final step. Each exercise was tailor-made by Expeditionary Training Group (ETG) to simulate the real-world operating environments that expeditionary units potentially face while deployed.

This final exercise, an NECC Integrated Exercise (NIEX), was held at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Cheatham Annex and Ft. Eustis. The NIEX was a series of threats which Americans would face in a country which had just had major combat and was now trying to restore normalcy.

"The exercise simulates partnering with a host nation, helping them build their security for cargo handling, port security and protecting waterways," said Capt. Mike Napolitano, commanding officer of ETG. "When NECC deploys to a coastal region, we normally establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for our headquarters. One set of skills expeditionary combat forces bring to the Navy's mission is to create security cooperation. We go to our partner nation, and help train their forces so that they can provide security for themselves."

During the exercise MSRON 4 and RIVRON1 provided protection both on land and water. Simulated "terrorists" tried to attack from small boats and jet skis, as well as using small arms and IEDs.

"I'm very happy that ETG is doing these kinds of drills, because these are the kinds of things that we are going to see when we go down range," said Lt. j.g. Harold Saintcloud, anti-terrorism officer for MSRON 4. "We have to expect the unexpected down range. Most of the guys at ETG have been there, and they know what scenarios will best prepare us for our deployment."

During this exercise, ETG planned scenarios with escalating tensions in the host nation and growing threats to Sailors. On the final day of the exercise, Sailors faced a series of attacks on the FOB, starting with sniper and IED attacks, ending in an all-out assault by local militia.

"A lot of these scenarios are based on real events," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Raccshi Wilson, a training team assessor with Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 2. "Some of the things they may deal with on a daily basis are covered here, whether its people taking out the trash or coming in to fix a generator, the likelihood of them seeing potential threats here in the training scenario prepares them to see actual threats when they deploy. The small number of Sailors that stand the watch at the FOB Entry Control Point are responsible for protecting the two to three hundred personnel inside the compound."

The final confrontation was hectic and fast paced, combining attacks from all sides of the FOB with simulated IED explosions and constant gunfire. The chaos of that final hour presented an challenge for training participants.

"It was a lot of fun," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Samuel Gonzalez of MSRON 4. "It was a good training environment, and we all learned a lot. You have to keep the area that you're protecting, but not lose focus on what's going on around you."

RIVRON 1 is a combat-arms force that performs point defense, fire support and interdiction operations along inland water ways to defeat enemies and support U.S. Marines and coalition forces. MSRON 4 provides rapidly deployable forces to conduct or support anti-terrorism and force protection missions for U.S. and allied nations in ports and canals around the world.

LCAC 91 Achieves Navy's Fastest Maritime Surface Craft Speed on Algal Fuel Blend

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy successfully concluded its final alternative fuel demonstration for the year today with the Dec. 7-9 operational tests of the 50/50 algae-derived, hydro-processed algal oil and petroleum F-76 blend in a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) amphibious transport vehicle.

The tests also marked the fastest speed achieved to date by a U.S. Navy surface craft using alternative fuel blends, as LCAC 91 reached 50 knots, Dec. 7. The fastest speed demonstrated on the 50/50 algal blend in previous tests was 44.5 knots by the Riverine Command Boat (experimental) (RCB-X) in October 2010 at Naval Base Norfolk, Va.

"Our Navy is working to be resilient to any potential energy future. Pursuing sustainable resources, such as alternative fuels that are drop-in replacements, assures our performance and mobility while protecting us from the volatility of the fossil fuel market. This demonstration is another Wright Brothers-moment for the Navy. We have shown that we can achieve more than 50 knots on the water and Mach 1.7 in the air - all on biofuel blends," said Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, director, Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division.

LCACs move elements of a Marine Air/Ground Task Force - weapons systems, equipment, cargo, and personnel - from ship to shore and over the beach. The vehicles have four gas turbine engines, and two generators that traditionally run on NATO F76 or NATO F44. They have a 7,000 gallon fuel capacity, an average range of 200 nautical miles, and can carry up to 150,000 pounds.

"For the test, the craft was operated out in the Gulf of Mexico using two different fuel configurations so we could compare the craft's operations as powered by each fuel type," said Naval Sea Systems Command's Navy Fuels Engineering Manager Richard Leung. "After draining the diesel, LCAC 91 received approximately 5,000 gallons of the 50/50 algal blend. We assessed the engine performance capabilities on the biofuel blend, and collected data on engine torque, acceleration rates, craft speed, fuel flow rates, propeller pitch, compressor discharge pressure, and inlet and exhaust gas temperatures"

Mechanical engineers bore scoped the engines and collected the technical data. LCAC operators then provided input on how the craft performed and operated.

"We are going to compare how the engines performed during the test both on the straight diesel and on the 50/50 mix. Results from the comparison will help us assess the performance of the fuel," said mechanical engineer Ben Canilang, NSWC Carderock's Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa.

"To see what type of numbers came out, we connected a laptop with a harness that read into our digital and analogue data collectors," said mechanical engineer Peter Diamond. "The type of analysis is simply comparing numbers. We'll plug in a stream of numbers and compare results from each of the tests."

"The test run on the 50/50 alternative fuel mix was very successful," said Scott Feenstra, mission director, Landing Craft Air Cushion, NSWC Panama City Division. "LCAC 91 performed without issue. The operators were able to use high power; and reported that the craft handled beautifully and without problems."

Meeting the secretary of the Navy's call for a drop-in fuel replacement, no changes were required to the LCAC or fueling equipment infrastructures for the test. Alternative fuel efforts also support the secretary's overall energy strategy to increase energy security and safeguard the environment; as well as his goals to demonstrate a 'green' strike group by 2012, and deploy a strike group composed completely of alternatively powered ships, "The Great Green Fleet," by 2016.

RIVRON 3 Conducts Live-Fire Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Michael R. Hinchcliffe

FORT KNOX, Ky. (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 Sailors conducted category IV live-fire training on the Salt River aboard Fort Knox, Ky., June 6-11.

Category IV live-fire consists of taking riverine boat crews through one to four-boat formations, reacting to land and waterborne events, contacts and various possible angles of pursuit, and patrolling river ways. Four-boat formation is a tactic used by riverines to defend against enemy attacks both on the river ways and on land when they are extracting hostiles or inserting a riverine security team ashore.

"We are progressing each day and taking it step-by-step," said Lt. Mark Howell, RIVRON 3 Det. 2 officer in charge. "This training allows us to venture out to new territories and operate effectively on any river. This is basic riverine unit level training, more or less, the fundamentals of our craft and the way we operate on any river."

The RIVRON boat teams practiced various exercise scenarios they could encounter in live combat. Some of the events included defending against enemy assaults, towing inoperative boats and firing various different weapons at posted targets simulating enemy contacts on the hill sides. After each evolution the boat crews debriefed and discussed discrepancies and strategy during the training.

During the live-fire evolutions one of the riverine boats would power down to simulate a loss of power during an attack. The boat closest would use a line to tie-up and drag the downed boat out of danger while the other two boats provided cover fire.

Riverine boat crews are composed of gunners training on their specific area of responsibility and sector of fire, the coxswain who trains on navigating the boat and positioning the boats in formations away from the danger areas, and the boat captain who assesses every aspect of his boat from the functions and capabilities down to the Sailors and their responsibilities.

The Sailors manned the boats donned in full-body armor. Each gunner had a range safety officer standing behind them to provide guidance and advice, and to ensure the safety of the Sailors on the boat. Every scenario and drill helps to proficiently hone the skills of riverine Sailors, ensuring they are qualified and capable of deploying with their detachment.

"Those three positions are what we are training on here and how they not only work as one boat, but also as a four-boat formation," said Howell. "There will never be an untrained Riverine Sailor deployed. We have a standard to stick to and wickets to meet, and we will not send anybody out that doesn't have the tools and skills to combat the threat at hand."

Howell said after this training, Det. 2 can deploy and handle the worst case scenario, which would be an assault by a squad-size (platoon) enemy infantry threat or light vehicles with heavy armor.

"This exercise is the culmination of what riverines train for so they have the ability to go out on any river and have the tools to succeed," he said.

Howell stated, RIVRON 3 Det. 2 is in a deployment window and will be ready to answer the call when needed.

"The Riverine force is an extremely flexible fighting force providing operations across the entire spectrum of military operations," said Cmdr. Peter Berning, chief staff officer Riverine Group 1. "We also provide the unique ability to bring the Navy's core mission of maritime security operations into the riverine environment. No other unit has the ability to operate in that unique and strategically important geographic area."

The Riverine Force, part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, is a combat-arms force that performs point defense, fire support and interdiction operations along coastal and inland water ways to defeat enemies and support U.S. Marines and coalition forces.

TSC Great Lakes Honor Vietnam Brown Water Navy

By James F. Antonucci, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- More than two dozen brownwater Navy Sailors, who comprised the River Patrol Boat Force Veterans Association (RPBF/VA) reunion, visited the Training Support Center (TSC), Great Lakes June 9.

The Navy Military Training (NMT) history and naval heritage lesson on the Brown-Water Navy of Vietnam was provided by the organization aboard the USS Cole Barracks (BEQ-6301) to more than 400 students.

Capt. Peter R. Lintner, commanding officer for TSC commented about the visit with, "It was an eye opening discussion for our Sailors. The members spoke of their experiences, how they got into the Brown-Water Navy and they fielded questions from the audience. They did a marvelous job speaking about camaraderie, getting to know your shipmates, the fact that you can be ordered any place at any time and the very real impact of taking live fire."

Members of the RFBF/VA had been assigned to a vessels like the Patrol Boat, River (PBR); a thirty-one foot, fiberglass Uniflight boat propelled by two General Motors marine diesel engines powering two Jacuzzi jet pumps.

In December 1965, the United States Navy formed the Brown-Water Navy in Vietnam and continued their duties up until 1970, when the Navy stood down the last of its Brown-Water Navy units and turned over the boats to the South Vietnamese Government.

Comments made by members of the group described the heroics and brutalities of war. Individuals like Mr. James Woods, an Engineman 3rd Class in Vietnam, described how he was wounded early in his PBR tour in Vietnam, but managed to return to his unit after he recovered.

Fire Controlman Seaman Corey Farrar said, "It was interesting to learn the difference between the generations of the Navy, and it was cool to actually speak with the Vietnam vets and hear what they went through."

"I will take their example of camaraderie to my ship. They are great role models," he said.

The descriptions provided by Richard J. Cragg, a former Lt. and Senior Patrol Officer, outlined how he planned patrols for his unit, River Section 532 (RS 32) in My Tho, Vietnam and its ten PBRs. He reminisced over his tour patrolling the Cua Dia River in Jan. of 1967, and reflected on how RS 532, as part of Task Force 116 during Operation Game Warden, was designated to patrol the rivers of Vietnam, primarily the Mekong and its tributaries.

As an excellent example of a dedication to duty, their orations and descriptions of the actions and equipment brought to mind more recent events with the renewed effort on the Navy's Special Warfare (SPECWAR) Riverine Forces. Yet it may never be possible to fully appreciate the efforts and sacrifices put forth by these special Sailors of the brown water Navy.

Fire Controlman Seaman Diego Ortega commented, "I learned about people who enlisted to get out of going to Vietnam but ended up there anyway. They did their best while they were there and showed the true meaning of a sailor."

Lintner finished by saying, "These former Sailors spoke reverently about lost shipmates, good times and the worst of times. Our Sailors soaked it up; with one student commenting, 'Boy, we thought we had it bad, this is nothing.'"

Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes is the only training command located within the same vicinity as Recruit Training and is the home of five learning sites operated independently. The command supports 85% of the Surface Navy School and averages 13,500 Student throughputs per year.

Riverine Forces Make History with Well Deck Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Michael R. Hinchcliffe, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from Riverine Squadrons (RIVRON) 2 and 3 made history when they successfully completed the first well deck certification for the Riverine Command Boat (RCB) and Riverine Patrol Boat (RPB) aboard USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) May 31.

"What this proves is that, once and for all, we have the capability with the Riverine Command Boats and Riverine Patrol Boats to bring them on board the well deck of a ship," said Capt. Christopher Halton, commodore of Riverine Group 1. "With us being able to sustain operations out of the well deck, it opens up a variety of mission sets for the Riverines, from counter piracy missions, supporting amphibious operations or providing force protection for LCACs (Landing Craft, Air Cushioned) operating back and forth to the beach."

With completion of the well deck certification, the boats have the ability to deploy worldwide aboard an amphibious ship in support of the maritime strategy.

Amphibious operations reach across all six core capabilities of the maritime strategy which are forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

While Oak Hill was anchored in the Chesapeake Bay, the Riverine boats entered the well deck several times, testing the boats maneuverability and the crew's ability to safely bring the boats in, and work together with the Oak Hill crew.

After the RCBs and RPB were secured in the well deck with mooring lines, Oak Hill drained the deck so Riverine Sailors could inspect the boats and ensure they could be properly secured for sea during underway evolutions.

"The RCB was designed with the focus of being a mobile command and control boat, with the ability to control smaller Riverine boats up river," said Cmdr. Clay Wilson, commanding officer of RIVRON 2. "We've kind of pulled it (Riverine mission) out towards the coastal environment right now to fill Riverine needs and the craft has proven to be capable of doing more then just inshore missions."

"Once the last boat was clear of the well and it was clear that the events of the day were successful, my well deck team broke out into spontaneous cheers and applause," said Cmdr. David Bauer, commanding officer of USS Oak Hill. "They knew the importance of what they had just done. It was a very moving moment."

The Riverine Force, part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, is a combat-arms force that performs point defense, fire support and interdiction operations along inland water ways to defeat enemies and support U.S. Marines and coalition forces.