Japanese Sailors Observe VBSS Training

PEARL HARBOR, H.I. (NNS) -- Sailors from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) visited the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment Pearl Harbor May 16, to see first-hand the tactics involved in Non-Compliant Boarding - Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (NCB-VBSS) training.

Sailors from JMSDF ships JS Atago (DDG-177), JS Hyuga (DDH-181), and JS Shimokita (LST-4002) received an orientation tour from Lt. Cmdr. Donovan Rivera, CENSECFOR Detachment Pearl Harbor officer in charge, and Chief Fire Controlman Kenneth Ryan, NCB-VBSS Course Supervisor.

NCB-VBSS emerged after the initial Gulf War between 1990 and 1991 as a measure to support continued maritime interception operations imposed by United Nations (UN) resolutions.

NCB-VBSS training encompasses skills such as tactical team movements, self-defense tactics, boarding tactics, climbing and rappelling techniques, and more. In addition to Hawaii, this challenging high-risk training is also available at locations based in California, Florida and Virginia.

Initially, JMSDF Sailors received an introduction to NCB-VBSS where Ryan explained the mission and the scope of duties involved with maritime interception operations. During the introduction, the group witnessed a live demonstration of NCB-VBSS tactics given by a team of CENSECFOR instructors. Among the demonstrations was the ladder climb, tactical communications and verbiage, tactical team movements, room clearing procedures, and detainee handling procedures.

The tour proceeded to a lab where Sailors learn defensive tactics to control subjects and use close-quarters combat techniques taught by instructors Brenton and Brandon Wolff.

"The defensive tactics we teach are not intended to make Sailors martial arts experts, [but rather] they are intended to give them the confidence in their own ability to take control of a violent situation and neutralize a threat without resorting to deadly force," said Brandon Wolff while describing the training to the visiting Sailors.

Gunner's Mate 1st Class Nicholas Bokan and Sonar Technician 1st Class George Kohn, both NCB-VBSS instructors, explained the different types of gear and weapons used by boarding teams.

Kohn described the flotation vests worn by VBSS members and the simunition weapons used in training. Simunition is a dyed detergent-filled round that simulates live fire ammunition designed to be fired through military training weapons. It allows students to the opportunity to conduct "force on force training" in a controlled, safe, and effective training environment.

"Familiarization with the gear we use is vitally important to our team members," said Bokan.
Following a brief facilities tour of the historic Hangar 54 on Ford Island, Rivera spoke to the visiting group emphasizing the importance of training and cooperation.

"This is the third consecutive year we have had the privilege of hosting our allies from Japan and we look forward to more opportunities in the future of providing this training," said Rivera.

Detachment Pearl Harbor is a component within the Center for Security Forces domain. The Center provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year and has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world.

For more news from and information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf, or www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ .