Guarding Patriot--Navy patrol boats keep Camp Patriot ports safe

Photo By Giancarlo Casem | Petty Officer 2nd Class Porshoua Tchiang, a native of Valdese, N.C., assigned to 5th Squadron, Navy Coastal Warfare, looks through binoculars while on a patrol off the shores of Camp Patriot, Kuwait.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

08.21.2007

Story by Sgt. Giancarlo Casem 

50th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Giancarlo Casem
50th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- October 12, 2000, 11:18 a.m. At the port of Aden, Yemen, suicide bombers attacked the U.S.S. Cole. The attack resulted in the deaths of 17 Sailors, injuring 39.

The attack on the U.S.S Cole was a precursor to subsequent terrorist attacks by the al-Qaida terrorist network.

Nearly seven years later, the ports of Camp Patriot are guarded by Navy patrol boats to prevent another possible attack. The port is used by Third Army/U.S. Army Central to help conduct its logistical mission in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

"Our mission is to provide harbor security to Camp Patriot and the harbor," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Brett Likes, 5th Squadron, Navy Coastal Warfare. "It's an important mission."

Equipment is moved through the port. The Sailors of 5th Squadron, Navy Coastal Warfare are tasked with the responsibility of providing security to the port and the ships in it.

The San Diego-based unit employs patrol boats in its mission. These patrol boats are loaded with a variety of firearms. Each crew member is trained and proficient on the boat's weapons systems.

"We're all trained and qualified to fire these weapons," Likes, a native of Idaho Falls, Idaho, said. "If something happens we have to be able fire these weapons."

During their mission, these boats patrol the waters outside of Camp Patriot. They monitor civilian vessels that may encroach into Camp Patriot's waters. Besides performing physical security for the port, they also provide escorts for ships, both U.S. and Kuwaiti.

"My job is to keep the log and keep look out," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Porshoua Tchiang, 5th Sqdn., NCW.

Tchiang said though their days may seem long and boring, she still has to stay vigilant.

"Normally, it's just the jet skis, we see them everyday," Tchiang, a native of Valdese, N.C., said. "Usually on the weekends, there's a lot more of them. We have to pull security and make sure nothing comes in."

If a vessel does encroach on Camp Patriot waters, the patrol boat crews turn them back or warn them to move on.

"We will orient on them let them know we are here," Likes said. "We will turn on blue lights and maybe siren. We'll get their attention, we'll wave at them."

The crews' actions are reflexive of the response from the other vessel, Likes said.

"If the lights don't work, then we'll get on the loud speaker and let them know it's a security zone and they can't enter," Likes said. "If they still don't turn back, we'll get sterner. We'll use flares, fire warning shots in front of them."

With the threat of terrorist actions like the U.S.S. Cole attack looming everyday. The Sailors patrolling the waters of Camp Patriot keep a watchful eye and stay vigilant. The lives of other service members are in th

• Date Taken: 08.21.2007
• Date Posted: 08.21.2007 04:00
• Story ID: 11908
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW