The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley's (DDG 84) visit, boarding, search and seizure (VBSS) team prepares to come aboard training support vessel Prevail (TSV 1) where they will simulate an actual compliant boarding during the Nassau Strike Group's composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX). During COMPTUEX, Prevail will act as a suspect training vessel to test VBSS teams in a variety of maritime security operations training scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Wyscaver) TSV-1 PREVAIL, At Sea (NNS) -- The Nassau Strike Group (NASSG) began conducting essential maritime interdiction operation (MIO) training exercises Dec. 2, for their visit, boarding, search and seizure (VBSS) certification as its Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) continues.
Utilizing the Training Support Vessel (TSV-1) Prevail, in a variety of different VBSS simulations, each of the strike group's VBSS teams will have the opportunity to engage in several different simulated security situations throughout the three week certification. These evolutions will include compliant boardings, non-complaint boardings and approach operations with Prevail.
"These practice boardings with help prepare us for our upcoming deployment by patrolling the seas, identifying suspicious activity, collecting intelligence and knowing how to handle a variety of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) situations," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Shanna Farwell, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) VBSS member.
Through conducting these MIO exercises, NASSG looks to gain valuable experience in their mission readiness while focusing on the importance of maritime security operations. When in theater, MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counterterrorism and security efforts on the high seas and in nations' littoral waters.
TSV-1 Prevail assisted NASSG in COMPTUEX by acting as an actual platform for training in areas such as operational security monitoring, threat simulation, electronic warfare services, MIO training support, cryptologic training and mine laying/retrieval operations.
Throughout the exercise, Prevail has offered high-fidelity training presentations by minimizing simulations, providing skilled and experienced merchant marine personnel to act as a suspect vessel crew, and using documents very close to the ones service members will see during actual real-life situations.
NASSG COMPTUEX is designed to provide realistic training environments for U.S. naval forces that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world. Training such as this ensures our military forces are prepared to support any missions they are called to.