Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training celebrates merger of two commands

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class John Suits | Capt. Claudia Risner, (left) commanding officer of Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command and Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, cut a cake in honor of the merger ceremony of Maritime Civil Affairs Group and Expeditionary Training Command, both becoming MCAST, Oct. 1, at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek. MCAST is responsible for the deployment to several nations worldwide conducting maritime security operations.  

10.01.2009

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class John Suits 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

Two maritime operational commands, Maritime Civil Affairs Group and Expeditionary Training Command, came together, Oct. 1, to become Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command.

Capt. Claudia Risner, former commander, MCAG, assumed command of MCAST and remarked on the history and creation of Maritime Civil Affairs.

"From day one, our mission has been 'deploy, stand up and train-as-you-go'", said Risner. "It took a number of individual thinkers with guidance and a passion for civil affairs to deploy with minimal training and successfully perform the mission. We flew the plane as it was being built, and we didn't crash."

Since MCAG's commissioning in 2006, Sailors have conducted civil-military operations and established and enhanced relations between military forces, governmental and non-governmental organizations and the civilian populace.

Along with MCAG, ETC has also deployed Sailors worldwide, but with a focus on military-to-military training. Mobile Training Teams deployed for two- to six-week training missions around the world. With the creation of MCAST, former ETC Sailors will continue as security force assistance MTTs and train partner nations in naval construction, maritime security, ordnance disposal and diving and salvage missions.

"It was a great opportunity to command ETC Sailors," said current MCAST SFA operations officer Lt. Cmdr. Scott Chafian. "I got to work with Sailors with no background in security. We established the procedures for conducting a conventional force in Navy security assistance."

Sailors have participated in such missions as Southern Partnership Station and Continuing Promise in South America, Africa Partnership Station and Pacific Partnership. Today, Sailors are currently supporting Combined Task Force 151 in the Horn of Africa, Joint Special Operations Task Force in the Philippines and Joint Task Force Bravo in Central America.

"Each command has built an outstanding reputation by the accomplishments achieved by our extraordinary Sailors," said Risner. "Today, we merge two forces and two commands to become one."

Alongside Risner during the ceremony was Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, Rear Adm. Carol Pottenger.

Pottenger challenged MCAST Sailors to look toward the future and make a difference in the world.

"Prevent and deter. That's what we're all about," Pottenger said. "Stand tall and be proud. You have made a difference to our nation's security and helped people from different countries live a better life."

• Date Taken: 10.01.2009
• Date Posted: 10.02.2009 06:43
• Story ID: 39572