Brazilian marines from the Brazilian Marine Fleet Force and Marines from 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines are currently embarked on amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), and took part in a serial rehearsal Nov. 1 as a part of multinational exercise Bold Alligator 2014 (BA14).
The rehearsal demonstrated processes, procedures and best practices for rapid departure from a U.S. naval vessel by means of an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV). The training increased familiarity among ship’s crew, embarked U.S. and Brazilian marines to enhance mission readiness.
Cmdr. Christopher Wells, commanding officer of Whidbey Island, said:
This exercise helps everyone involved prepare for a call to shore.
It’s an important factor in amphibious operations, and keeps us ready to get up and go when we are needed.
Once the serial was initiated, Marines gathered gear and traveled from the ship’s forecastle to the well deck, where they received egress and life jacket training, as well as briefs on craft familiarization, AAV assignment and general riding procedures. Both U.S. and Brazilian service members stood outside their respective AAVs, ready to disembark.
In support of BA14, Whidbey Island and embarked Marine forces are conducting crisis response operations in the fictional Treasure Coast region.
Press release, Image: US Navy