On Nov. 4 and Nov. 6, U.S. military personnel and salvage operations specialists contracted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) engaged in an oil spill response demonstration at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. The goal of the demonstration was to ensure the U.S. Navy’s readiness in the event of an oil spill or salvage operation.

There was key involvement from NSA Bahrain, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia and United States Naval Forces Central Command, as well as demonstration observations by Bahraini environmental specialists and coast guard members.

During the demonstration, the salvage operations specialists deployed 24-foot Boom Handling Boats, a Marco Class V Skimmer System, Oil Containment Boom and a NOFI Current Buster.

“This equipment is very specialized. We need to ensure that our equipment works and that our operators are fully trained so we must maintain it and practice with it. We take advantage of our training requirement to familiarize both U.S. and host nation observers with our equipment and capabilities. This assists both them and the U.S. in planning for an actual oil spill or salvage operation where a spill is possible,” said Kemp Skudin, environmental program manager at NAVSEA’s Office of the Supervisor of Salvage and Diving. “As well, it provides a rare opportunity to see very unique and specialized equipment in operation and better understand its capabilities. The U.S. Navy takes its environmental responsibilities seriously wherever we operate, and it’s good to demonstrate that when we can.”

Personnel were on site maintaining equipment for several weeks prior to and following the demonstration to ensure equipment readiness for immediate use.

“We have been working with the Bahrainis for quite a few years, so I would say that we continued what has already been an excellent relationship. The Bahraini participants have duties that relate in various ways to oil spill response from either a regulatory, operational, management or enforcement perspective. It’s an on-going professional sharing between them and us,” Skudin said.

NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia’s mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.

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For more news from Naval Support Activity Bahrain, visit www.navy.mil/.