Elements of NAVAL BEACH GROUP TWO Kick Off Saber Strike 17 With In-stream Maritime Offloads

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Gardner | VENSPILS, Latvia – Sailors from Naval Beach Group TWO offload a USMC M1A1 Abrams via an Improved Navy Lighterage System Causeway Ferry during the Maritime Prepositioning Force offload during Saber Strike 17, May 24, 2017. Exercise Saber Strike 17 is an annual combined-joint exercise conducted at various locations throughout the Baltic region and Poland. The combined training prepares allies and partners to respond more to regional crises and meet their own security needs by improving the security of borders and countering threats. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kenneth Gardner/ Released)  

VENTSPILS, LATVIA

05.22.2017

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Gardner 

Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO

Exercise Saber Strike 17 is an annual combined – joint exercise conducted at various locations throughout the Baltic region and Poland. The combined training prepares allies and partners to respond to regional crises and meet their own security needs by improving the security of borders and countering threats.
By standing up the Navy Support Element (NSE), components of CNBG-2 and tenant commands conducted training consisting of the in-stream offload of craft and designated Principle End Items for delivery to the Arrival Assembly Offload Group; all equipment offloaded supported the Marine’s Combat Logistics Regiment 45’s (CLR-45) follow-on field training in Adazi, Latvia.
“The MPF program is a phenomenal capability for the Marine Corps and we’re showcasing it here,” said Maj. Jerry Aymond, operations officer for Combat Logistics Regiment 45. “The ability to do an in-stream offload means we can offload a significant amount of equipment anywhere around the world, without a port.”
Amphibious Construction Battalion Two, along with Assault Craft Unit Two, Beachmaster Unit Two, and Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One supported the CLR-45 amphibious offload by conducting Load On / Load Off (LO/LO) operations with the Military Sealift Command’s USNS SGT William R. Button; successfully moving 1.4 million pounds of tactical vehicles and gear ashore via two Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) Causeway Ferries and one LCM-8 craft.
“This year’s exercise demonstrates our flexibility and responsiveness to deploy in support of a crisis or contingency as we integrate with our maritime prepositioning shipping,” said Col Matthew Puglisi, Marine Force Task Force Commander. “Conducting Maritime Prepositioning Force operations in support of the geographical combatant commander’s exercise priorities, allows us to prepare for future operations.”
As part of their MPF operation mission the NSE also established and managed the Lighterage Repair Facility (LRF) at the Ventspils port in order to provide a safe haven and repair services to all craft. Along with providing safe haven and repair services, the LFR also acted as a staging ground for craft crews and a control point to manage craft movement and deployment schedules to and from the USNS SGT WILLIAM R. BUTTON.
“The Sailors at the LRF overcame long hours and craft related challenges with flawless determination, while also building camaraderie and earning qualifications to further enhance their capabilities,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Patrick Drumm, Lighterage Support Officer for the NSE. “They are the best. They are untouchable. They make me proud to serve in the United States Navy. Navy colors!”
Along with in-stream LO/LO operations, the multi-day exercise also provided an opportunity for Sailors to train and qualify in various INLS craft crewman positions such as Craft Master, Deck Supervisor, and Craft Engineer.
“The dedication of all Sailors showed the capability to operate anywhere in the world and the expertise to accomplish the mission,” said LT. Renea Beggs, PHIBCB TWO Detachment Officer in Charge. “Our Sailors are the best at what they do and their performance during Saber Strike 17 confirmed that.”
Saber Strike 17 marked the first time since 2010 the East coast NBG had the opportunity to conduct an in-stream MPF offload overseas. The exercise was a tremendous success as it not only allowed the team to improve the command’s interoperability with the Marine Corps and foreign military forces but ultimately experience and learn from the challenges involved with integrated international operations.

• Date Taken: 05.22.2017
• Date Posted: 06.21.2017 12:41
• Story ID: 238660
• Location: VENTSPILS, LV
• Hometown: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US
• Hometown: WILLIAMSBURG, VA, US