Riverines host Family Day

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command
Story by STEVEN HOSKINS

Date: 06.29.2012
Posted: 07.05.2012 15:37
News ID: 91143
Riverines host Family Day

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron 2 held a friends and family day at Munden Point Park,Virginia Beach,Va., June 29, to showcase their capabilities and teach about Riverine equipment and their jobs.

“We wanted to get the families together and put on a show so they can understand what it means to be a riverine warrior and see what we do day-to-day,” said Chief Petty Officer Josh Mazer, RIVRON 2 leading chief petty officer.

During the event, RIVRON showcased their capabilities with boat demonstrations, allowing attendees to see first-hand how the Riverine Patrol Boat, Riverine Assault Boat and Riverine Command Boat operate in the water.

The purpose of riverine family day is to increase family readiness by giving family and friends a glance at why Riverines train and deploy the way they do.

“Because of our operations and training schedule, our guys are away from home quite often and it’s hard for families to understand why,” said Mazer. “They absolutely understand why we deploy for six to eight months, but the time spent away from home training in the field learning about weapons, boats, vehicles and everything else they might not easily understand.”

RIVRON sailors talked with family and friends, explaining Riverine operations with static displays. Also in attendance were members of the Gamewardens Association, Vietnam to Present, to talk about Riverines and answer questions.

Gary Marker, President of Gamewardens Association, Vietnam to Present Mid-Altantic Chapter, recalled family life during Vietnam, when he served on Riverine boats, and the progress family readiness has made over the years.

“The family we had back in Vietnam were the men next to us; the family at home was kind of on their own,” said Marker. “Now to see all the nice families enjoying the day at the park is outstanding because they actually get a chance to see what their husband or brother does, and you can see how proud the children are of their parents.”

More than 250 family and friends came out for the day and the highlight was rides aboard Riverine boats.

“It was really great to have an opportunity to meet other family members,” said spouse Angelia Hill. “My children absolutely loved it. We enjoyed seeing all the different gear and how they transport gear in all the different vehicles. Just seeing what they do day-to-day was wonderful.”

Riverines are the combat arms force of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and merged with Maritime Expeditionary Security Force to establish Coastal Riverine Force, June 1.

CORIVFOR performs core maritime expeditionary security missions in the green and brown waters bridging the gap between traditional Navy blue water operations and land-based forces.