Photo By Maj. Mike Giaquinto | One Coast Guardsmen from CTG 56.5 fires at his target while the Range Safety Officer...... read more read more
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KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, Kuwait - Another day at the beach … not for Commander Task Group 56.5, who under a scorching sun and uncompromising humidity conducted a joint Under Way Gun Shoot. CTG 56.5 is a reserve Coast Guard unit from the Washington state area that is peppered with active duty Navy personnel. The gun shoot allowed all personnel the ability to hone their skills by firing live rounds from vessels underway. This skill is critical for our navy and coast guard personnel in order to protect our ports.
This is an unusual compilation, one you don’t normally see, sailors and Coast Guardsmen. The two services began training together November of 2010 in San Diego, Calif. The two service components trained for six weeks together prior to deploying to Kuwait. This allowed both Navy and Coast Guard personnel time to train together, which is crucial to mission success.
The primary purpose of the underway gun shoot is to give members of CTG 56.5 live experience firing their weapons while underway on tactical craft. Since their primary mission is port security, it is imperative that the defenders be comfortable and well trained with the use of their weapons while at sea. The Navy and Coast Guard typically operate 25- to 35-foot water craft armed with weapons, so the training ensures troop readiness to perform their missions. They try to conduct underway gun training for all crew members at least twice a year to stay proficient.
“The underway gun shoot was a great opportunity for the Coast Guard and the Navy to train together and enhance the bond between the two services,” said Lt. Cmdr. Laila Grassley, chief staff officer.
In the states these two branches of service have two very different missions. The Coast Guard is responsible for protecting our maritime economy and the environment, defending our maritime borders. While the Navy’s mission is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.
“This training was beneficial for everyone, especially for the guys who haven’t fired from a moving platform,” stated Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Mauer, tactical coxswains.
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.30.2011 08:58 |
| Story ID: | 72998 |
| Location: | KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, KW |
| Web Views: | 164 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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