WASP Sailors graduate intense security training

USCENTCOM, AT SEA

10.24.2009

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Amie Gonzales 

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

CARIBBEAN SEA — Twenty-five Sailors aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) graduated from the two-week training course Security Reaction Force-Basic, Friday. The training began with classroom instruction before moving on to a practical portion, which involved hand-to-hand combat training, and concluded with an Oleoresin Capsicum spraying combined with a challenging end-of-course exercise.

According to Petty Officer 1st Class, a master at arms, Reginald Allen, SRF-B is designed to teach Sailors how to create and analyze tactical situations, and to prepare for unforeseen events while they are standing security watches.

"We want our watch standers to be ready for anything that may occur while they are standing their watch," said Allen, one of Wasp's SRF-B instructors.

"I think this course is important because we stand watches we aren't really prepared for, said ITC Kristina Montgomery, a recent graduate of the SRF-B course. "This course isn't a Personnel Qualification Standard, it really gets you prepared to defend yourself and others."

The class covered a multitude of topics including the use of deadly force, proper handling of weapons onboard ship and proper watch standing.

"It was interesting to learn the different take-down moves and learning to use a baton, but I didn't care much for the OC spray," said Montgomery.

"It was a great learning experience and I learned a lot of valuable information," said MM3 Kelly Christie, one the recent graduates. "I wouldn't want to go through it again, because there is nothing that you can do to prepare yourself, mentally or physically for the pain you experience [during the end-of-course exercise]."

Christie added it was her determination and support of her shipmates that helped get her through the OC-spray course.

"You have to adapt to your circumstances and overcome them by knowing it is possible. In the end though, it's an experience I'll never forget, and it gives you an amazing sense of accomplishment," said Christie.

The Navy requires all Sailors to take the SRF-B class, Allen said. He noted that everyone onboard a ship is responsible for its security and training like SRF-B plays a major role in keeping Sailors ready to defend their shipmates in an environment where terrorist threats are always a possibility.

Wasp and the Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force are working alongside Mayport-based Destroyer Squadron 40 during a three-month deployment to build and instill interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation naval forces through a variety of exercises as part of Southern Partnership Station.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2009
• Date Posted: 10.24.2009 12:24
• Story ID: 40624
• Location: USCENTCOM, AT SEA