HSV-2 Swift NCIS Partners with Haitian Security APNs

Haitian Authority Port Nationals (APNs) participated in a recognition ceremony upon the completion of their subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) in Cap-Haitian, Haiti with Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) members embarked on High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift Feb. 24.

The 21 APN participants and two NCIS officials spent the five-day exchange discussing detection measures and completing practical exercises as part of HSV-Southern Partnership Station 2012 (HSV-SPS 12).

“A few basic techniques and a couple examples of the right and safe way to do things can go a long way in this line of work,” said Lt.j.g. Dylan Harmon, officer-in-charge of the HSV-SPS 12 NCIS detachment. “This is important stuff that could come in handy for anyone in the security department.”

The exchange detailed situational awareness, vehicle inspections, proper handcuffing procedures, and container inspections. The group also discussed how to mitigate safety concerns through proper observation and detection.

“This was really good information,” said Noracin Claudy, an APN employee. “I’m feeling good about the experience we’ve had and the job that I am supposed to do, knowledge is always useful.”

The exchange culminated in a practical exercise, where participants were tasked with identifying risky behavior in role-players. The exercise included describing the behavior and appearance of suspicious individuals. Participants were then expected approach and detain suspicious individuals, prepared for both passive and aggressive encounters.

“We learn something different everywhere we go,” said Tom Crall, a physical security specialist with NCIS aboard Swift. “And we teach something a little different each time also, it’s all important.”

The NCIS partnership is one of many SMEEs occurring in Cap-Haitien as part of HSV-SPS 12. Service members from each of the armed services are working with the host nation partners, exchanging information regarding medical and veterinary practices, small unit leadership, port security and construction.

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility in the Caribbean, Central and South America. The mission’s primary goal is information sharing with partner nation service members and civilians in the region.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

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Naval Today Staff , February 28, 2012