MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Harbor Operations personnel conducted boat training and qualifications aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 2, 2015.
The purpose for the harbor operations is oil response and harbor security. This training focused on security operations enabling response teams to respond to a crisis in a timely and effective manner.
Training started on the ground as Chief Petty Officer Wayne Ditmore, Harbor Operations leading chief petty officer, supervised the junior sailors as the boat was rigged up to a crane and lowered into the harbor.
“I think stepping back gives the junior sailors the confidence to trouble-shoot for themselves vice having the experienced sailors doing the trouble shooting for the evolutions,” said Ditmore. “The trainings and briefs were given to them, now it's time for the junior sailors to use what they have learned. Either way, I like to be by their side in case a safety related issue arises.”
The boat used in this training, the PBH-1, harbor patrol boat, is the combat ready boat for the harbor. The PBH-1 is unique because it is a jet propelled boat that uses buckets for propulsion, making it possible to walk the boat up to a pier or into a tight space.
“Today’s training included an operations check on the boat and driver training,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Weyer, chief engineer of Harbor Operations. “After having a complete work over, we had to make sure the boat wouldn’t take on water, there were no alarms set off and the engines weren’t overheating.”
Taking the boat for a spin around the harbor deemed it safe and secure. The remainder of the crew boarded and headed out of the harbor.
“As for the coxswain, I wanted to make sure they know how to handle the boat, and demonstrate a few simple tasks,” said Weyer.
Seaman Halon Hamilton, maintenance man aboard the boat with Harbor Operations, tested the sirens, lights, intercom and various other switches that aid in completing a mission.
Weyer tested each trainee’s ability to control the speed, check the current and make sure the waterway is clear of debris as they took their place at the helm. Using a buoy, drivers took turns walking the boat alongside it simulating a pier or narrow berth.
“The training prepares the junior sailors by familiarizing them to the harbor's safe and danger zones and to be able to take any boat out with confidence,” said Ditmore.
Seaman Apprentice Sol Mayra Zarco, a boatswain mate with Harbor Operations, said she prepares for these qualifications by listening to instructions and watching how others do the job.
“It is important to have everyone on the same level of training because a mission cannot be accomplished if one person is not properly trained,” said Zarco.
Zarco has roughly five months of experience driving various boats in the harbor. These training events give the harbor personnel ample experience and time to familiarize themselves with the boats so they will be ready when the need arises.
“We are the line of defense from waterborne crafts for the station,” said Ditmore. “Harbor personnel stand duty at the harbor building. Each and every one has to be able to take our assets out to the harbor in the event of any suspected vessels in MCAS Iwakuni’s restricted water zone.”