Navy Boat Dock team plays integral part in combat training

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom

Date: 05.16.2012
Posted: 05.18.2012 13:14
News ID: 88645
Navy Boat Dock team plays integral part in combat training

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Tucked away in the back of Cherry Point is a vital group of sailors with the Naval Boat Docks that few air station residents know.

Despite the anonymity, the sailors serve a critical logistical support role in providing access to local bombing ranges used by Cherry Point pilots.

In 2011, boat dock personnel provided the air station with more than 1,500 trips to Bombing Target 11 carrying more than 6,000 passengers and countless pounds of gear vital to the operations aboard the range.

The transportation these sailors provide on a daily basis is a small demonstration of the partnership the Marine Corps and Navy has around the world. Sailors use their vessels to help Marines get to a destination in a safe and secure manner to complete the war-fighting mission.

“The Marine Corps wouldn't be as diverse if it wasn't for the abilities of the sailors,” said Sgt. James W. Gower, a non-commissioned officer in charge with BT-11. "Sailors have the ability to get us closer to shore to allow us to accomplish our amphibious mission."

The Naval Boat Docks team conducts transports of personnel, supplies and materials to the bombing ranges near Cherry Point daily. The sailors make multiple runs to transport range personnel and gear at various times throughout the day.

Anything and everything that needs to get to the ranges has to be taken there by water, and it is the job of these sailors to get it there, said Mike Bosse, range project officer with the Cherry Point Naval Boat Docks.