PACIFIC OCEAN - As an angry mob approaches a line of masked and shielded Marines, a lone voice yells “Hold!” The rioters make contact with the Marines, who don’t budge an inch and eventually take control of the situation.

Marines with Military Police Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, built upon their riot control skills aboard USS Bonhomme Richard, Sept. 29.

“It is one of the capabilities we have as a military police company, but we would probably only use it if it were to happen after a natural disaster, for instance,” said Capt. Kyle E. Larish, the MP company commander with CLR-17.

The Marines who practiced riot control trained with their non-lethal weapons and riot shields. The second row of Marines had a special task. When an instructor tried to break into the formation, the snatch-and-grab team captured the simulated rioters.

“Riot control is always a good thing to know,” said Cpl. Jared D. Allender, an MP with CLR-17. “We don’t use this too much in the military, but it’s always good knowledge.”

The Marines are conducting the training in support of Exercise Dawn Blitz, a training evolution designed to prepare Marine units for rapid crisis response.

“It’s good training,” said Allender, 23, from Campbell County, Kentucky, who is on a ship for the first time. “I feel pretty good about it. I like it, and I’m having a little fun.”

For most of the MPs, Exercise Dawn Blitz is their first time aboard a naval vessel.

“Many of them are still getting their sea legs,” said Larish, 29, from West Seneca, N.Y. “For most of the Marines it’s their first time on ship, and it’s a good opportunity for them to understand their naval heritage, and their brotherhood with their naval counterparts.”

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