Pacific Fleet Forces Command Training Exercise Highlights Interoperability and Emergency Response Preparedness

Strategic Insights -

Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 recently trained with Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team, Pacific Company (FASTPAC), Bravo 1 Platoon on joint infantry combat and riot control skills at U.S. Naval Base Guam. The training exercise, which took place on January 9, involved 60 Sailors and 54 Marines in activities such as shooting with M4 assault rifles and the M240-B machine gun, close quarter combat techniques, Marine Corps martial arts, and nonlethal riot control techniques.

Key Takeaways:

  • The training exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between Sailors and Marines, with Capt. Jeremy Nelson stating that the goal is to work together seamlessly in emergency situations.
  • The FASTPAC Marines, who are forward-deployed in Yokosuka, Japan, also used the training to improve their own infantry skills and site security.
  • The Seabees, as Naval Mobile Construction Battalions are known, are self-sufficient in their defense and often deploy to conflict zones to provide contingency construction support.
  • The training exercise included live-fire exercises and combat simulations, with Chief Builder (SCW) Nicholas Hoffman stating that the training allows them to broaden their skill set and take it to the next level.
  • The FASTPAC Marines have a long-standing presence around the world, with the company maintaining forward-deployed units to respond quickly to crises.
  • The exercise demonstrated the importance of joint training and interoperability in emergency response preparedness, with Capt. Nelson stating that it's essential to be on the same page and speak the same language.

Statistics:

  • 60 Sailors from NMCB 1 participated in the training exercise.
  • 54 Marines from FASTPAC, Bravo 1 Platoon participated in the training exercise.
  • The USS NMCB 1 has an annual infantry skills qualification program, while the FASTPAC Marines train with various units, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 and Naval Special Warfare Unit 1.
  • The training exercise was part of a two-week visit to Guam, with the FASTPAC Marines planning to train with Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 7 on January 10-11.
  • The Seabees often deploy to conflict zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan, to provide contingency construction support and must maintain their combat skills.

Sources:

  • Pacific Fleet Forces Command via Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs (no date listed)
  • James Fee, "Sailors, Marines train on joint combat, security skills in Guam" (exact date not specified)