Seven Royal Saudi Naval Force (RNSF) members, in conjunction with, the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) toured Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving (CEODD), Surface Warfare Officers School Unit (SWOSU) and Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Great Lakes Sept. 18.

Commodore Mohammad S. Al-Mesned was the ranking officer of the visiting delegation. He and his officers are involved and responsible for their navy's training in Saudi Arabia. Being able to compare training at "A" and "C" schools, with the training in Saudi Arabia is a major reason for the visit.

“Our visit has given us a truly valuable and inspirational experience, and some great memories to take home,” Al-Mesned said. “I was filled with great admiration for the high standard of your facilities, for your extremely professional and efficient organization, and the truly excellent level of performance of all the personnel I have encountered here.”

The group toured Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving (CEODD) where they viewed student training in the basics of in-water procedures, aquatic adaptabilities and water comfort.

At Surface Warfare Officers School Unit (SWOSU) Great Lakes they were shown the training facilities of Basic Engineering Common Core (BECC). 

BECC balances Computer Based Training with hands-on labs, instructor-led classroom training with realistic simulations creating an Integrated Learning Environment. They also visited the SICLOS Lab, Purifier Lab, and LPD 17 Maintainer Course where students gain knowledge and skills to maintain engineering control systems in the fleet.

“We were proud to showcase how SWOSU Great Lakes trains students for the Fleet," said Lt. Megan Leis, executive officer of SWOSU Great Lakes. “They were able to see the technology we use in our classrooms and labs and most importantly, they saw the professionalism and pride our instructors’ project every day to make sure the students receive the training they need to be successful.”  

From there they toured Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) where they viewed Gunner's Mate 'A' School's Fire Arms Training Simulator and Electronics Technician/Fire Controlman 'A' school T1 RADAR partial task trainer. Ending the visit at Operational Specialist “A” School for tour of Ship’s Self Defense System.

"Here at CSCSU we place great value upon our partnerships with allied forces," Cmdr. Ricardo Enriquez, commanding officer of CSCSU Great Lakes. "Having the ability to show the RSNF leadership how our students are trained, using both the exceptional knowledge of our instructors and the innovative technology used to support the training, fosters an environment where ourselves and our allied partners can work together to produce the most well-rounded Fleet-ready Sailors."

The tour concluded at the galley for lunch with SWOSU, CSCSU and Training Support Center command leadership.

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