By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai
CELEBES SEA – USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) security department consists of a specially trained group of Sailors who maintain the good order and discipline for more than 5,000 Sailors aboard the ship.
Rated master-at-arms and temporarily assigned Sailors from other departments provide the foundation for protecting George Washington and its crew in foreign ports and underway from internal and external threats.
“The security division is comprised of rated MAs who are the subject matter experts tasked with training, qualification, supervision and administration of the ship’s non-rated security personnel,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Eric Schaefer, the security training division leading petty officer.
Before putting on the silver badge, all security personnel must first go through a Naval Security Force Sentry and Security Reaction Force Team Member basic training course. This three-week MA-instructed course teaches Sailors to safely maintain, operate and employ small arms and non-lethal weapons such as oleoresin capsicum spray, batons, and handcuffs.
“Sailors who desire to become part of the ship’s security force need to be proficient with skills necessary to maintain good order and discipline throughout the crew, as well as protect the ship from viable internal and external threats,” said Schaefer.
Security department personnel serve a different function when compared with members of other departments.
According to Schaefer, the ship’s security department’s primary mission is force protection and law enforcement. As a result, the need for a more functional uniform rather than a flame retardant uniform is of higher importance.
“While most Sailors will report to a repair locker or watch station and equip themselves with firefighting gear for general quarters drills, security’s Sailors will report to the armory for weapons issue,” said Schaefer.
According to Schaefer, most of security’s training is derived from U.S. Marine Corps marksmanship programs and the law enforcement and expeditionary community.
“Performing law enforcement and force protection duties provides a unique opportunity for Sailors to receive training more commonly found in other branches of service that are more combatively focused than technically focused,” said Schaefer.
Instructors are selected senior MAs who have displayed the potential to mentor and lead and receive additional training.
“The true success of the department is based on the core professionalism of Sailors assigned to the department,” said Lt. Michael Whitehead, security officer for George Washington. “Chief Master-at-Arms Jeffrey Harris’ engaging leadership and the mentorships and training provided by the squadron and ship’s force MAs results in our Sailors having a strong desire to improve professionally, personally and work as a team to that end.”
George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Date Taken: | 10.14.2014 |
Date Posted: | 10.14.2014 05:02 |
Story ID: | 144986 |
Location: | CELEBES SEA , AT SEA |
Web Views: | 57 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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