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| Science & Technology |
| NavyÂ’s First Riverine Squadron Deploys |
| 2007-03-10 |
| Riverine Squadron 1, based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., deployed March 8 after a year of intense training with Marine forces. The deployment marks the first for a riverine squadron since the Vietnam War. More than 100 riverine sailors deployed to the Middle East to integrate with Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force to conduct maritime security operations along rivers and other inland waterways: denying the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack; a haven for insurgent activities; or the illegal transportation of weapons, people or material in Iraq. “The combat skills training at Camp Lejeune (N.C.) with the Marine Corps and firefight introductions training took us from ‘blue water sailors’ -- open water Navy -- to become an expeditionary force,” said Cmdr. William Guarini, commanding officer of RIVRON 1. “Our goal is to help the Marines and other units we’ll be working with to facilitate stability in the area,” said, Lt.j.g. Joshua Sprubeck, team officer for RIVRON 1. Full of the mixed emotions that come with a deployment, members of the squadron feel they are ready to get under way. “I’m kind of excited and kind of scared, but I’m ready to get over there and do my job,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Cherry. Sprubeck echoed Cherry’s sentiments. “We're feeling a little bit of excitement, a little bit of fear of the unknown but we're chomping at the bit to go. All the guys are ready to roll,” said Sprubeck. RIVRON 1 received specialized training in a number of areas including cultural and language skills presented in realistic combat scenarios, and small unit riverine craft training -- all to help prepare them for the challenges they may face in the field. “The training that we’ve received has been awesome,” said Chief Petty Officer Mike Gaspar, command career counselor for RIVRON 1. “There were a lot of young men that came here new to this kind of thing. They came here with open minds and did really well with the training that prepared us well for the mission." Three riverine squadrons under one riverine group commander serve as a ready force for the Joint Force Maritime Component commander. Each squadron consists of specially designed craft configured to operate in a hostile environment. Water craft will have multiple crews for near continuous operations and lift capacity for a small tactical unit. “These sailors are ready to go,” said Guarini. “They are motivated to be here, they are excited, and they give me energy just seeing their enthusiasm.” The Navy’s riverine force is part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders. NECC serves as a single functional command to centrally manage the current and future readiness, resources, manning, training, and equipping of the Navy Expeditionary Force. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #5 I agree with Joe - we need a squadron on the Rio Grande. I'd suggest they deploy in hovercraft, since the Rio Grande is only slightly deeper than the Platte (mile wide, inch deep - too thick to drink, to wet to plow). Maybe they can stop some of the drugs and illegal aliens from crossing. |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2007-03-10 12:38 |
| #4 Anybody need a lucky hat? |
| Posted by: John F-ing Kerry 2007-03-10 12:14 |
| #3 Does it pull water skiers? If not there are going to be some upset movie producers. |
| Posted by: 3dc 2007-03-10 11:01 |
| #2 reminds me of Christmas in Cambodia.... |
| Posted by: Jon Karry 2007-03-10 10:02 |
| #1 Might wanna keep some home. or raise new units > WORLDNEWS - CHINA ON COLLISION COURSE WITH TAIWAN + TAIPEITIMES > NEW US Pacific Commander reaffirms US commitment and protection to Taiwan. Promises to keep close eye on China. *REGNUM.RU > ARMENIAN Officio claims Iran planning retaliatory scenarios against USA/ US Air Defense-BMD? in Europe including possible attack(s) on BAKU,AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA, REGION. |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2007-03-10 00:28 |