MANAMA, Bahrain - Sailors from the Pakistan Navy's maritime security agency completed two weeks of visit, board, search, and seizure training, April 27.

The Middle East training team from U.S. Patrol Forces Southwest Asia, provided the routine, two-week VBSS training to teach tactical movements, shooting, defensive tactics, rappelling, searching and how to clear a vessel using close-quarter battle.

During the course, the Pakistani sailors completed a series of boarding scenarios, ensuring positive control of the ship while maintaining an open line of communication with the command and control officer.

"The goal was to build from the training learned in the class while challenging you with real life scenarios," said U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Lee Heitner to the Pakistani sailors.

Throughout the VBSS training the team was continuously monitored and evaluated, with feedback after each scenario.

"Our goal for every team that comes through this program is to safely and effectively conduct VBSS missions," said Heitner.

"I feel really good about how the training went," said U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Christophe Wimsatt. "There was also lots of camaraderie and you always learn something new when working with different countries."

During the past year more than 400 personnel from coalition forces have been trained on VBSS procedures throughout the region.

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