Riverines return home

Photo By Krishna Jackson | Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron 2 prepare to launch one of the riverine command boats into the Persian Gulf for the first time. The boats provide riverine forces with the new capability of operating in littoral waters, as well as the traditional river, or brown water environment. The RIVRON 2 detachment is assigned to Commander, Task Force 56, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Krishna M. Jackson/Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

06.27.2012

Story by Seaman Kay Savarese 

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Riverine Squadron 2, Detachment 2 returned home from a six and a half month deployment, May 30.

RIVRON 2 deployed with a force of riverine command boats to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to conduct littoral protection operations, waterborne patrols, maritime and critical infrastructure protection, and to provide high value asset escorts.

This deployment provided the riverines with their first opportunity to work with RCBs forward deployed while evaluating their operational strengths and limitations in action. Additionally, the deployment provided the Sailors a chance to work directly with other U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and coalition navy platforms.

“Every riverine stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Dwayne Brown, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team leader. “Being the first to deploy on a coastal mission, and proving to area commanders what our personnel and equipment are capable of achieving, is a great feeling.”

“The riverine mission is important because there is a credible small boat threat in the region and the riverines are fully equipped and trained to meet the challenges and missions assigned to them,” said Brown.

RCBs were also utilized in conducting tow drills and joint patrols alongside U.S. Navy boats such as the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Adak (WPB 1333), and Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) 34-foot SeaArks.

This deployment marks the first time an RCB and a SeaArk demonstrated the ability to tow one another.

“This is significant because the RCB is about 1,000 pounds a foot, and 52,000 pounds is a lot of weight for any boat,” said Andros. “We conducted these exercises to assess our capabilities.”

As MESF and riverine combine to form the Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR), training and development is essential for success. By working together with other U.S. forces and foreign nations, the riverines were able to establish and define their capabilities and limitations for the future development of the force.

“The big plan is to close the gap between what the big grey hulls can do out in the ocean, and what we do as traditional riverines, which is operate in the brown waters,” said Andros. “What we did as a detachment was identify adversities, to help engineers and policy makers create a better plan for those who defend that area. Our biggest success this deployment was defining our own capabilities and limitations.”

• Date Taken: 06.27.2012
• Date Posted: 06.27.2012 15:15
• Story ID: 90705
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US