Marines of 6th PSC Train Djiboutian Navy in Less Lethal Force

27 Jun 07
by US Navy MC1 (SW/AW) John Osborne
CJTF-HOA/PAO.

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti - In an effort to fine-tune port security procedures at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, the Marines of 6th Provisional Security Company (PSC) trained members of the Djiboutian navy in less lethal force tactics during a three-phase training exercise June 10-17. The Djiboutians, who share port security responsibilities with 6th PSC, observed and participated in exercises involving military working dogs, the Long Range Acoustical Device (LRAD), proper search of vehicles and personnel, communications with incoming ships and small arms procedures.

The Marines of 6th PSC arrived at Camp Lemonier in February, and since that time their operations chief, Master Sgt. Harry McBrien, has seen a marked improvement in their working relationship with the Djiboutian navy and the quality of their joint performance.

“We needed to understand each other’s role,” McBrien said, explaining the need for the less lethal force training. “We have a slight communications barrier and we had never worked with each other before. Since we started working together, the feedback from the ships is that this is the best service they’ve received throughout the world. That is a direct result of the Djiboutian navy taking the time and genuinely caring about port security and the safety of our ships.”

The training began with two days of work controlling boats and practicing communications that included emergency procedures, engagement, and understanding shipboard security detachment standard operating procedures. The second phase, focusing on less lethal force in port security procedures for incoming ships, was three-fold beginning with a demonstration of canine tactics for subduing uncooperative and potentially dangerous individuals. Under the command of Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jeff Meyer and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jason Dutcher, canines Rex and Brit demonstrated to the Djiboutian navy that they are an effective alternative to drawing a gun on a suspicious person and very efficient at finding planted explosives.

The Marines and Djiboutian sailors were then instructed on and given a demonstration of the LRAD. Widely used on board ships to warn incoming vessels approaching without permission, the LRAD has also proven to be an effective crowd-control and combatant-deterrent sonic weapon on land. The 45-pound device is mounted onto a vehicle and is capable of emitting a warning tone that has a decibel sound pressure level of 150 (a gun shot is only 140). At less than 50 meters, this can cause immediate hearing damage. The LRAD can also be used as a loudspeaker that is fully capable of translating the speaker’s words into 14 different languages.

“This training is a step in our joint efforts with the Djiboutian navy,” said LRAD Instructor Staff Sgt. Rudy Diaz, who also teaches a driver’s course involving evasion techniques useful when driving high-profile personnel. “This training will allow the Djiboutian navy to become familiar with one of our Non-Lethal options before they are employed. We hope that, should the situation ever present itself, we will have numerous tools to help diffuse the situation without using deadly force.”

The final training of the day covered the search of vehicles and personnel who traverse the pier, which involved learning the correct commands for individuals being searched and the proper technique to employ during the actual physical inspection of the person.

“The instruction we received will help us and the Marines work together better,” said Djiboutian sailor Lt. Ahmed Djama. “Doing a good job depends on each of us knowing how to work with each other in every situation. It’s very important that we all know how to deal effectively with each situation using the least amount of force possible.”

McBrien said he was extremely proud of his Marines for realizing the importance of this training and stepping up to the role of being instructors. “I’ve been so impressed with our Marines because none of us are infantrymen. We are all air wing Marines from different parts of the United States coming together for the first time. They show a lot of dedication and character by understanding their roles and realizing the important contribution they each make to accomplish our mission.”

Photo - Lance Cpl. Andre Bautista of 6th Provisional Security Company (PSC) gives a friendly smile to Brit as she is told to relinquish her hold on his arm. Bautista was playing the role of a person who refused to get out of his vehicle when ordered, so Brit was sent into the car to chase him out. This was one of several exercises 6th PSC used to demonstrate methods of less lethal force to their Djiboutian navy counterparts, who share their port security responsibilities. Photo by US Navy SW/AW John Osborne.

Marines Train Servicemembers in Martial Arts

13 Jun 07
By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs.

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti — Sailors and soldiers of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Camp Lemonier are learning non-lethal self defense moves from the U.S. Marine Corps by participating in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

During the June 2 session, students learned basic knife techniques, throws, basic movements, restraints, weapon defense techniques and apprehension without deadly force.

“This program is intense because it focuses on mental, character and physical discipline,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Piatti, 6th Provisional Security Company MCMAP instructor. “It pushes them to look deep within and do something they wouldn’t normally get to do in their branch of service.”

For Petty Officer 1st Class Roger Beaumont, CJTF-HOA Administration, taking the class reminds people that age shouldn’t stop anyone from doing what they want to do.

“I’m 57, so I wanted to show everyone that older people can still have the stamina to keep up with a younger crowd,” he said. “It pushes me to the max and my body lets me know it.”

MCMAP is designed to provide individuals with the ability and confidence to fight in hand-to-hand combat using any weapon available. It also teaches self-discipline as to understand the responsible use of force, both on and off the battlefield.

“In a combat zone we follow the Rules of Engagement, so the skills we learn here will help us protect ourselves without firing a weapon,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Jonny Pierce, Delta Co. 1/3 Old Guard.

Whether the students see a battlefield or not, the knowledge gained from the experience will help them in any environment they face.

“It’s a great feeling being able to have the knowledge and abilities to protect myself from those who want to cause me bodily harm,” said Chief Petty Officer Scott Carver, Camp Lemonier’s Supply leading chief petty officer. And for Piatti, sharing a Marine Corps tradition with his trainees is a very rewarding experience.

“I am proud to be part of a program that teaches people of all ages and backgrounds how to protect themselves in a non-lethal way from the enemy,” he said.

Photo - Sailors and soldiers of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's Camp Lemonier learn basic self defense techniques with a weapon during the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program June 2, 2007. The objective of the training is to teach all branches of the service how to protect themselves without firing their weapon. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy.

US Navy Seabees improve Primary School in Ethiopia

11-Jun-07
by U.S. Navy Builder Construction Apprentice Nick Emanuele
CJTF-HOA.

ADDIS, Ethiopia – The American Ambassador to Ethiopia, Honorable Donald Yamamoto paid a visit to the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133), Detachment Horn of Africa (HOA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Seabees in Addis Ababa have been tasked by the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) to construct three concrete masonry unit (CMU) block structures for the Abiot Emerja Primary School. One structure will house the school’s library, the second structure will become an administrative building, and the third structure will be a latrine facility.

U.S. Navy Construction Electrician First Class (Seabee Combat Warfare) Michael Duranko, who serves as the Addis Ababa Project Supervisor commented, “The project itself has been rewarding and has proven to be a challenge my crew is eager to take on. The initial construction started out slowly but once we worked out a few material and contractor issues, our construction processes dramatically improved.”

U.S. Ambassador Mr. Donald Yamamoto was greeted at the construction site by Petty Officer Duranko. Petty Officer Duranko described the phases of the project which included ground breaking location, materials needed for the project, and the structure site emplacement. Upon completion of the briefing, Petty Officer Duranko escorted the Ambassador to the project site to see the middle phases of construction.

At the construction site, the Seabee crew of Detail Addis Ababa were preparing for a concrete foundation placement scheduled only a few days away. The Seabees were pleased to meet the Ambassador and were happy for the pleasure of discussing details about the project with him. Overall, the U.S. Ambassador Yamamoto was quite impressed with the work the Seabees were doing and invited them out for dinner at a future date.

Builder Second Class (Seabee Combat Warfare) Scott Anderson, Addis Ababa Crew Leader remarked, “The Ambassador was surprised to see how much the project was impacting the surrounding communities. He [Ambassador Yamamoto] also said he never seen a project get so much attention as this one.”

In conjunction with the Ambassador’s visit the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) toured the project site. CE1 (SCW) Duranko had an opportunity to discus with the ENA the specifics of the Seabees mission in the Horn of Africa.

According to U.S. Ambassador Yamamoto told ENA, “The U.S. supports community centered development activities throughout Ethiopia and Seabee projects are a great way to strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and the United States”.

The Seabees are expected to complete the Addis Ababa project in late September 2007. Future Seabee projects in the Addis Ababa area include additional school construction in other local neighborhoods.

Photo - U.S. Navy Construction Electrician First Class (Seabee Combat Warfare) Micheal J. Duranko (left), leads the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia, Donald Yamamoto (right), around the Abiot Emerja Primary School project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. U.S. Navy photo by Construction Apprentice Nick Emanuele.

USS Underwood visits Doha, Qatar

29 May 2007
By Lt. Nathan Christensen
USS John C. Stennis Deputy Public Affairs Officer.

DOHA, Qatar - USS Underwood (FFG 36) arrived in Doha, Qatar, May 13 for a two-day port visit to take part in Qatar-American Friendship Day and enhance theatre security cooperation within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).

During the visit, Underwood Sailors took part in many events designed to help build and foster relationships between the U.S. and Qatari Navies.

“It is an honor for the ship to pull into Doha,” said Underwood Commanding Officer Cmdr. Thomas Dearborn. “I've deployed to the region since 1989 and have never been to Qatar. It is my hope that through our visit we will further strengthen the relationships that exist between the United States and Qatar.”

Besides helping to build and foster relationships, the ship’s visit to Qatar is also aimed at strengthening bilateral ties by increasing the level of professional and maritime interaction between the two countries, as well as promoting security and stability within the region.

"In order to establish a secure maritime environment that promotes peace and stability, it is important for us to form strong partnerships with countries in the region like Qatar," said Dearborn.

While United States naval ships (USNS) and patrol crafts (PC) have conducted port visits to Doha in recent months, Underwood is the first U.S. Navy warship to visit Qatar in three years, according to Cmdr. Cody Loosefoot, the U.S. Embassy Naval Attaché in Doha.

"Improving cooperation between the United States and Qatar is very important," said Loosefoot. "Port visits by U.S. Navy warships to Doha help do just that."

Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 152, Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, flew to Underwood prior to the ship’s arrival in port and rode into Doha with the crew.

"Port visits are an opportunity for people of a foreign country to see what good ambassadors U.S. Sailors are," said Quinn. "Theatre security cooperation missions like this help maintain important ties between our two countries."

While operating in the Arabian Gulf during its deployment as part of the USS Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), Underwood joined CTF 152 in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the region.

CTF 152 conducts MSO in the Central and Southern Arabian Gulf and operates under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Upon arrival into port, U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Chase Untermeyer met the ship at the pier and welcomed Underwood's crew to Doha.

"Since becoming ambassador, we've worked to have more U.S. vessels pull into Qatar," he said. "It is our hope that our country's ties will become closer and more U.S. Navy ships will be able to pull into Doha as a result of this visit."

Official visits and exchanges were planned as part of the ship's visit to Doha. Underwood played host to five officers and 10 Sailors from Qatar's Navy while in port. The Qataris were able to take part in shipboard damage control and firefighting training and received a tour of Underwood as well.

"We appreciate the opportunity to interact with our Qatari friends and share our ship with them," said Lt. Dave Leiker, Underwood's chief engineer.

"It's been several years since a warship like this pulled into Doha," said Ensign Lisa Masso, Underwood's combat information center officer. "Any type of theatre security cooperation that our ship can participate in is not only good for morale, but also is positive for international relations."

A reception was also hosted as part of Qatar-American Friendship Day, and many of Underwood's crew were able to attend. Other Qatari officials as well as U.S. government and naval officials also attended the reception.

Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, Quinn and Untermeyer were among the event's attendees.

"Port visits like this one strengthen and deepen U.S. relations with countries in the region," said Quinn. "Having Underwood pull into Doha and take part in the national holiday celebrations as part of Qatar-American Friendship Day is a sign of our commitment to the country of Qatar."

Underwood departed its homeport of Mayport, Fl., Jan. 8 with the USS Bataan ESG on a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO.

Photo: USS Underwood's (FFG 36) Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Thomas Dearborn, talks with three Qatari naval officers on the quarterdeck. Underwood is in port Doha, Qatar, as part of Friendship Day. Underwood is part of the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group and joined Combined Task Force (CTF) 152 in support of Maritime Security operations (MSO) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Official U.S. Navy Photo by Lt. Nathan Christensen.

Engineering Department Keeps Shreveport Running

22 May 2007
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Seth Clarke.

USS SHREVEPORT, At Sea – In the main machinery rooms of USS Shreveport (LPD 12), an Austin-class amphibious docking ship, earplugs are mandatory. The spaces are loud and hot, and without the continued attention of the crew, the ship simply would not go anywhere.

The Sailors on the bridge may run the ship, but they perform their jobs thanks to their shipmates several decks below—the Sailors that make the ship run.

The engineering department on board maintains the boilers, desalinizes seawater into potable drinking water, controls electricity generators, and speeds up or slows down the throttle of the ship.

“The main spaces are basically the heart of the ship,” said Master Chief Machinist Mate Donald N. Duffy, Shreveport’s engineering department leading chief petty officer. “If they don’t work, we don’t go anywhere. We don’t have heat, air conditioning or water. We have no way to cook food, no lights to see with and no electricity to run equipment on the ship.”

Sailors working in the belly of Shreveport pull more than their own weight. A lean crew, the engineering staff sometimes stand six-and-six watches: Six hours on, six off, and six on again. That makes for plenty of long workdays.

Duffy said the hard work continues when the ship pulls into port, and most of the crew departs for liberty.

“When we’re in different ports, no matter where we go in the world, one of the plants has to stay up so we can have electricity and air conditioning,” said Duffy. “Other divisions and other departments can secure their equipment, and everybody can go on liberty. We have to maintain a full watchbill.”

In Main Machinery Rooms One and Two, full watchbills include the names not only of junior enlisted crew members, but also warrant officers and chiefs. When temperatures in the main spaces climb upward of 130 degrees—sometimes as hot as 170 in areas with no forced ventilation—no one is exempt, junior or senior, everyone pulls duty.

“I think it's easier, because when you're on watch and something goes wrong, you know about it,” said Chief Machinist Mate Jeffrey M. Wunsch. “It keeps you abreast of what's going on down in the space with your equipment and your people.”

Wunsch first served aboard Shreveport between 1997 and 2001 as a second class petty officer and left as a first class petty officer. He returned as a chief petty officer in 2005 for a second stint, this time in a slightly different role.

“I'm doing more troubleshooting, guidance and maintenance now,” he said. “Obviously, I have control over more things, so I can improve the way they’re done.”

Being aboard once before helped prepare Wunsch for his second stint.

“I got a chance on my first tour here to find out what the problem areas were,” he said.

His shipmates in the machinery rooms appreciate his ability to relate to what they experience working below decks.

“He's talked about working here when he was a second class—he always has old ship stories,” said Machinist Mate 3rd Class Junior Liverpool. “He keeps everybody upbeat. He's keeping morale up in the main spaces.

Fireman Antonio Martinez agreed.

“He realizes that we're all standing long watches down in the hot engine room. It makes it easier to talk to him. On watch, we respect him as a chief, but he speaks to us as equals,” Martinez said.

Wunsch deflected the credit for the atmosphere in the main spaces.

“We have a lot of good people in this engineering department, and we’re successful because of them,” he said. “We have a lot of Sailors in this department that are khaki material.”

The Sailors working in the heart of the Shreveport work from the time they light off, three days prior to getting underway for deployment, and they continue working beyond the end of the deployment until everything gets shut down and all the equipment is properly secured.

“It’s a thankless job a lot of times,” Duffy said. “We get recognition from leadership, but it’s easy to take it for granted when you get up in the morning, flip your light on at your workstation, turn on your A/C, and you’ve got cool air. There’s somebody down there twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for the entire six months making sure that happens.”

“And that’s a normal day in engineering. You work from the time you get up until the time you go to bed, and the next day you start all over again.”

Photo: Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Junior Liverpool stands watch below decks in main machinery room one aboard USS Shreveport (LPD 12).

First Muslim to Take Command of Aviation Squadron

15 May 2007
By Lt. Nathan Christensen
USS John C. Stennis Deputy Public Affairs Officer.

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea – Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar F. Khan relieved Cmdr. Timothy Langdon as commanding officer of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31 during a ceremony held at sea aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) May 13.

Khan is the first Muslim to take command of an operational aviation squadron in the U.S. Navy.

The “Topcats” of VS 31 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard Stennis, and currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO).

“I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be placed in that position of stewardship,” said Khan. “It’s an honor and a tremendous feeling.”

As a child in Pakistan, Khan grew up around aviation. His father served in the Pakistani air force for 21 years and then flew commercial airplanes after that for 24 years.

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a pilot,” he said. “There is a Naval Aviation Museum poster with a little boy holding a toy airplane and looking up at the sky. That little boy was me.”

Some 40 years later, Khan does not just have ambitions to be a jet pilot; he is one. Not only does Khan fly jet airplanes almost daily near his native Pakistan, but also now commands an aviation squadron responsible for six aircraft and over 200 personnel.

Khan came to the United States from Pakistan in 1981 to live with his aunt in Texas. His goal was to learn to fly, as well as earn a degree from North Texas State.

Although Khan said life was good in Pakistan, he made the decision to stay in the United States for college and eventually become an American citizen, a decision he does not regret.

“I am 100 percent American,” said Kahn. “I bleed red, white and blue.”

Khan’s decision to become a naval aviator, however, did not please everyone in his family at first, he said.

“My father initially was opposed to the idea of me joining the U.S. Navy because I am the oldest son,” said Kahn. “My father wanted me to return home and follow in his footsteps and fly with the airlines for him. So, when I told him I was joining the Navy, he wasn’t initially happy.”

Since then, he and his father have grown very close, sharing the common bond and passion for aviation.

Khan’s younger brother even followed his example joining the Navy as a P-3 pilot, and is currently stationed in Whidbey Island, Wash.

In 2004, Khan was selected to enter the command-at-sea pipeline and became VS 31’s executive officer shortly thereafter. Khan was competing for one of two spots against 32 candidates, he said.

“The fact that I was selected for command after Sept. 11 is a good indication that the Navy is an equal opportunity organization and that we don’t discriminate on race, religion or color,” said Khan.

While many Americans may not have known much about Islam prior to Sept. 11, the terrorist attacks in New York City changed that completely.

“After Sept. 11, pretty much the entire American nation knew about Islam, and the image they had was not the right one,” said Khan. “I read an article, which I believe to be true, that Islam was basically hijacked. The Islamic teachings were turned around or taken out of context so that they could be used for political gain and to incite violent behavior. Suicide and killing innocent people is strictly forbidden in Islam.”

Khan is flying missions over Afghanistan as part of CVW 9 to bring stability and security to the region and help defeat the Taliban who incite extremism. CVW 9, assigned to the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) Feb. 19 to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in regional waters, as well as to provide support for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), comprised of more than 35,000 troops with contributions from 37 nations, on the ground participating in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

“As far as the mission is concerned, I hope and wish the same things I wish for my fellow Americans. I hope there’s peace. I hope there’s stability. I hope for all people in the region that they can go to the market as freely as I can and let their children play on the street or get a job and be able to provide for their family,” he said.

“That is what my hope is – that in the end there will be stability and everyone will be able to enjoy the same freedoms that I enjoy in the United States.” Khan said while flying missions over Afghanistan from Stennis, he flies over Pakistan and catches a glimpse of his native country.

“It is awesome to look down to be able to see Pakistan knowing I lived 18 years of my life there,” he said.

After 20 successful years in the Navy, today marks the pinnacle of his career as he assumes command at sea. However, Khan has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

“I have completed 20 years, and I absolutely love the Navy,” he said. “I’m still having a lot of fun, and I don’t see myself getting out anytime soon. I love it, I enjoy it, and I feel extremely honored and privileged to be an American and serving in the United States Navy. Knowing what I know now, I would not change anything about my decision to join the Navy.”

Asked what he hopes to achieve down the road in terms of his career, Khan smiled. “The sky is the limit,” he said, suggesting a desire to become the first Muslim admiral in U.S. Navy history.

Navy’s First Riverine Squadron Deploys

13 March 2007
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice John K. Hamilton
Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, based at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek deployed March 8 after a year of intense training with Marine forces.

The deployment marks the first for a riverine squadron since the Vietnam War.

More than 100 riverine Sailors deployed to the Middle East to integrate with Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) along rivers and other inland waterways: denying the use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack; a haven for insurgent activities; or the illegal transportation of weapons, people or material in Iraq.

“The combat skills training at Camp Lejune (N.C.) with the Marine Corps and firefight introductions training took us from ‘blue water Sailors’ -- open water Navy -- to become an expeditionary force,” said Cmdr. William Guarini, commanding officer of RIVRON 1.

“Our goal is to help the Marines and other units we’ll be working with to facilitate stability in the area,” said, Lt.j.g. Joshua Sprubeck, team officer for RIVRON 1.

Full of the mixed emotions that come with a deployment, members of the squadron feel they are ready to get underway.

“I’m kind of excited and kind of scared, but I’m ready to get over there and do my job,” said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SS) Michael Cherry.

Sprubeck echoed Cherry’s sentiments.

“We're feeling a little bit of excitement, a little bit of fear of the unknown but we're chomping at the bit to go. All the guys are ready to roll,” said Sprubeck.

RIVRON 1 received specialized training in a number of areas including cultural and language skills presented in realistic combat scenarios, and small unit riverine craft training -- all to help prepare them for the challenges they may face in the field.

“The training that we’ve received has been awesome,” said Chief Quartermaster (SW) Mike Gaspar, command career counselor for RIVRON 1. “There were a lot of young men that came here new to this kind of thing. They came here with open minds and did really well with the training that prepared us well for the mission."

Three riverine squadrons under one riverine group commander serve as a ready force for the Joint Force Maritime Component commander. Each squadron consists of specially designed craft configured to operate in a hostile environment. Water craft will have multiple crews for near continuous operations and lift capacity for a small tactical unit.

“These Sailors are ready to go,” said Guarini. “They are motivated to be here, they are excited, and they give me energy just seeing their enthusiasm.”

The Navy’s riverine force is part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders. NECC serves as a single functional command to centrally manage the current and future readiness, resources, manning, training, and equipping of the Navy Expeditionary Force.

Photo: Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron One (RIVRON-1) participate in a combat evolution, during a unit level training exercise. RIVRON-1 is part of the newly formed Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). NECC integrates all warfighting requirements for expeditionary combat and combat support elements. This transformation allows for standardized training, manning and equipping of Sailors who will participate in the global war on terrorism as part of the joint force. It also results in more capable, responsive and effective expeditionary Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mandy McLaurin (RELEASED).