Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, commander of the Navy Reserve Force visited Coastal Riverine Squadron One (CRS 1) during their Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) in San Diego, April 28, in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

"This is a special visit, not just because it is the last day of our FEP, but also because Vice Adm. McCollum was a previous commanding officer for CRS 1," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Barry Klein, senior enlisted leader for CRS 1 Wave 8.

McCollum commanded Maritime Expeditionary Squadron (MSRON) 1, now known as CRS 1 from 2008 to 2009.

According to Klein, CRS 1 Wave 8 is completing their 13 weeks of pre-deployment training; the training is conducted in three phases. Phase one of training is the basic phase and focused on the individual and the second phase is unit level training where the Sailors come together as a team. The third phase is the Unit Level Training Readiness Assessment/ Final Evaluation Period, which certifies the unit for deployment.

"CRS 1 is manned with highly motivated Sailors that are attracted to the demands and opportunities that this unit provides," said Klein. "CRS 1 is a unique reserve unit, our training goes well beyond drill weekends and we have a high operational tempo."

Mineman 2nd Class Devin Deckert, from Canyon Lake, California, recently qualified as a tactical craft patrol leader and is looking forward to the deployment.

"I am looking forward to deploying with my boat crew. Over the past two years we have grown together and learned together," said Deckert.

As patrol leader, Deckert has tactical control of all the patrol boats during Coastal Riverine Operations; his mission is Seaward Security of High Value Assets.

"Being a patrol leader presents a lot of unique challenges as an E-5," said Deckert, who added that overall working with his boat crews has been rewarding for him. "I have a leadership position on the boats that puts me in charge of those higher in rank than me, the success of the mission is my overall responsibility."

Also preparing for his first deployment is Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Van Ingle, who is from San Marcos, California. Ingle is a convoy vehicle commander and driver.

"Our entire convoy group is motivated; we are a small team that works long hours, but it is rewarding because we are able to accomplish a lot," said Ingle.

Both Deckert and Ingle were identified by CRS 1 Training and Evaluation Unit as outstanding and impressive Sailors during the FEP.

"Deckert and Ingle are remarkable Sailors," said Klein. "But they are only a snapshot of all of the highly motivated and determined Sailors that make up Wave 8."

Capt. Joaquin Martinez de Pinillos, commanding officer of CRS 1 expressed his pride for his Sailors in accomplishing their FEP.

"I am so proud of these Sailors. They have come a long way in a very short period of time," said Martinez de Pinillos. "These Sailors are fully trained and ready to go into harm's way and execute whatever mission the nation requires."

On the final day of FEP and during McCollum's visit, he held an all hands call with CRS 1 Wave 8 Sailors to discuss their dedication and commitment to the mission.

McCollum began his address to the Sailors of CRS 1 by pointing out that standing in their command spaces was a special location for him, because it was where he put on his first star as an admiral. McCollum went on to talk about CRS 1's upcoming deployment and took questions from the Sailors.

He concluded by saying, "I hope you know how important the Coastal Riverine mission is to the Navy. We at the Pentagon appreciate the great work you are doing; our mission is to continually support you and your mission."

Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, command and control of coastal riverine forces, high value asset protection, and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways.

For more news from Coastal Riverine Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/.