International forces practice maritime operations during Eagle Resolve 2015

Photo By Chief Master Sgt. Jared Marquis | Arabian Gulf nation special operation forces secure a hostage during a visit, board, search and seizure mission in a non-permissible environment during Exercise Eagle Resolve 2015. The exercise affords 29 partner nations the opportunity to address the regional challenges associated with asymmetric/unconventional warfare in a multi-national environment. This is the government of Kuwait's first time hosting Eagle Resolve, which is the premiere Arabian Peninsula/Gulf Region exercise between the United States, Gulf Cooperation Council nations and other international partners.  

MG CHARLES P. GROSS, ARABIAN GULF, USCENTCOM, AT SEA

03.22.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Air Force SAF, DRUs and FOAs

MG CHARLES P. GROSS, Arabian Gulf – Moving with silent efficiency, weapons at the ready, U.S. and partner nation special operations forces cleared the deck and bridge of the U.S. Army Vessel “MG Charles P. Gross” in the Arabian Gulf today. Boarding the ship from Kuwaiti rigid-hulled inflatable boats, the operators used a tactical formation and moved with purpose as they conducted a visit, board, search and seizure mission in a simulated non-permissible environment.

While this precision is a hallmark of SOF training and operations, this VBSS was unique because it wasn't executed by a hand-picked team honing their cohesiveness through years spent training together. Rather, the teams consisted of special operators from the participating nations who have gathered as part of Eagle Resolve 2015, the region's premiere multilateral exercise designed to promote regional security and cooperation while improving interoperability between each nation's military.

“The interoperability piece cannot be overstated,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Rick Mattson, U.S. Central Command's director of exercises and training, and U.S. director of Eagle Resolve. “The ability to work efficiently and effectively together is absolutely critical.”

Given the Gulf's strategic importance both regionally and globally, it's understandable that tactics, techniques and procedures like those used during VBSS would be a high priority training event for nations reliant on this vital waterway.

Scenarios like this one are relevant and critical to everyone’s stability in the region, Mattson said. The 29 participating countries recognize the value in supporting the exercise – and specifically events like this.

VBSS is routinely conducted around the world as part of maritime law enforcement and military operations. It can range from a routine inspection of a ship’s cargo – or a more pinpointed search to counter suspected drug smuggling, human trafficking or other violations of international laws. While international forces conducting VBSS are typically welcomed on-board willingly by a ships’ crews, teams must be prepared for a spectrum of contingencies. Immediately after, the teams practiced boarding a noncompliant vessel, whose crew was also holding a hostage.

Mattson said he was impressed with the efficiency of the teams once they hit the boat. He said everyone followed their assigned missions and swept through all the rooms quickly.

“What I look for the most is people’s attitude and motivation,” said Mattson. “So far it’s been tremendous, everyone has been highly motivated. They want to get it right.”

• Date Taken: 03.22.2015
• Date Posted: 03.25.2015 16:21
• Story ID: 158055
• Location: MG CHARLES P. GROSS, ARABIAN GULF, USCENTCOM, AT SEA