Future of boarding teams in doubt

The mission of the VBSS Level III teams will have to be absorbed by other VBSS organizations, according to an NECC spokeswoman.


Future of boarding teams in doubt
By Andrew Scutro - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Jan 11, 2009 16:22:51 EST

NORFOLK, Va. — Just as the Navy prepares to take a more aggressive stance against seagoing marauders in the Middle East, the future of its newly created teams of helicopter-borne boarding specialists appears dim.

The units — seven highly trained visit, board, search and seizure teams adept at dropping onto the decks of noncompliant, fast-moving ships from above — are no longer needed. And it’s unclear what the Navy will eventually do with the 24-member teams.

“There are currently no specific requirements for the (Maritime Expeditionary Security Force’s) VBSS Level III capability,” said Lt. Cmdr. Susan Henson, spokeswoman for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, which oversees the units.

Although the requirement isn’t there, the units won’t necessarily be disestablished, she said. “At this point, there’s been no decision that changes their status,” she said.

Navy ships now deploy with existing crew members trained to approach other vessels in small boats, climb aboard and ensure there’s no smuggling, illegal weapons or other potential threats. Though armed, the common Level I and II teams board compliant ships in nonhostile situations. SEALs handle opposed, or Level IV, boardings. In between, the NECC’s Level III teams were trained to board noncompliant ships with high freeboard, thus the need for helicopter insertion.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/01/navy_boardingteams_011009/%2e