Coast Guard Tactical Training Mission
Twice a year, the coast guard conducts tactical training missions that certify crewmen to join the tactical team. The second of this year happened Thursday.
The mission for the seamen in training is to escort a Coast Guard boat that serves as a high valued vessel, “as they're moving were moving with them,” explains Petty Officer First Class, Jeremy Standring.
They also have to keep a close eye on a mock enemy boat.
The trainees work out of level 1 Coast Guard ports around the state where they do more then search and rescue missions. They're also in charge of escorting cruise ships and submarines. So the enemy boat subjects them trainees to anything that can happen on the open waters, including friendly encounters and not so friendly, high-speed chases.
Standring says they train on three boats, including two screeners, “any boats that come inside of our security zone, they're going to go to the outside of the security zone and screen them.”
And the patrol commander, which calls the shots to the rest of the crew.
“We’re trying to put these guys in every possible situation so they can deploy required techniques,” says Standring.
This mission certified New Haven Seaman Alisha Wofford who's now a proud part of the tactical team, “we have a lot going in it's very important to know these tactics and practice them.”
The next training mission to certify crew members for the tactical team will be in April.
Posted Friday, Oct 23, 2009 - 1:45 AM EST
