HONG KONG --
Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) Marines trained alongside the Hong Kong Police in Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong on March 1, 2013.
The Hong Kong Maritime Small Boat Division and the United States Marine Corps FASTPAC B5 Platoon, currently embarked on the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), teamed up to share knowledge on ship boarding and clearing methods also known as Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS).
“The day as a whole went well for both of us,” said FASTPAC Marine Cpl. Zach Gregory. “It was a great learning experience to see the methods used by the Hong Kong Small Boat Division.”
The day began with the Marines boarding the Hong Kong Police patrol boats and demonstrating how to take a vessel into custody. The teams then boarded the Blue Ridge practicing hook and climb procedures and securing the ships tower. The event included static displays on weapons and specialized equipment, training presentations and fast patrol craft demonstrations.
“It was an outstanding evolution for all involved,” said Capt. Nick Moreno, FASTPAC B5 platoon commander for the exercise. “The opportunity to share techniques with the Small Boat Division while moored in Victoria Harbor, with the Hong Kong skyline as a backdrop, will be a memory these Marines will carry with them for a lifetime.”
The USS Blue Ridge and embarked 7th Fleet staff recently completed a scheduled port visit to Hong Kong.