USS Momsen (DDG 92) conducted helicopter visit board search and seizure (HVBSS) training Jan. 17 to prepare for operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).
The guided-missile destroyer’s 12-man VBSS team was joined by the members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11, who are currently embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
The EOD team fast-roped onto Momsen from a helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 in order to maintain proficiency and qualifications for both the EOD Sailors and the helicopter pilots. Following that evolution, they conducted training for Momsen’s VBSS team.
“The training was phenomenal and really helped to prepare the team for whatever encounters we may have in Fifth Fleet,” said Lt. j.g. Stephen Dutton , VBSS team officer in charge. “Everybody is definitely fired up to increase the intensity and accomplish what we are out here to do.”
In preparation for potential counter-piracy operations, the EOD team trained the Momsen Sailors on improvised explosive device (IED) recognition aboard ships and walked them through trip-wires they had simulated throughout the destroyer. They also concentrated on shipboard tactical movements and communication as a boarding team.
“ I feel much more prepared now, ” said Cryptologic Technician Collection 2nd Class (SW) Nathan Cook , a member of the VBSS team. “It was great to have our training reinforced by such a high-intensity team. We learned a lot as a group and are ready to support whatever mission we are called to execute in the next couple of months.”
Momsen and Lincoln are currently deployed with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ALCSG), which also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. DESRON 9 ships include Momsen and USS Sterett (DDG 104).
ALCSG is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 30, 2012