Security squadron launches at Mulberry Cove

Photo by Clark Pierce The MSRON 10 convoy of four towed patrol boats approaches the boat ramp at NAS Jax Mulberry Cove Marina.

Photo by Clark Pierce Prior to launching their boat, crew members of Boat Division 102 raise and secure their craft's radar and antenna array.

"The goal of ULTRA is to assess the squadron's ability to effectively train itself and to perform in numerous warfare areas," said Lt. Shane Bosse, officer in charge of MSRON 10 Boat Division 102. "Prior to next week's inspection, we're performing basic training with our boat teams because we've had a big influx of new personnel. This allows us to coordinate as a full squadron, rather than isolated, weekend reserve detachments."

MSRON 10 Chief Staff Officer Lt. Cmdr. Zach Staples explained, "We're treating Naval Station Mayport as if it were a foreign port. We'll set up a base camp with entry control points and secure the harbor. We'll also establish our communications, sensors and surveillance modules. We can also provide high-value asset security, embarked security protection for vessels unable to provide their own security, and perimeter security and force protection."

Besides patrolling for waterborne threat scenarios in the ship basin, MSRON 10 boat crews will practice their navigation and general boat-handling skills in a coastal water environment.

Photo by Clark Pierce The second patrol craft of MSRON 10 Boat Division 102 slides off its trailer at NAS Jax Mulberry Cove Marina.

CWO4 Stephen Lee, assistant officer in charge of MSRON 10 Boat Division 101, added that squadron personnel attended Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Starke, Fla. for small arms and crew-served weapons training. "A live-fire exercise gives our people the chance to get the real feel of their weapons so that they will know how to properly operate them in an AT/FP situation."

MSRON 10 operates as one of five MSRON squadrons under Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 2, headquartered in Portsmouth, Va. within the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

Photo by Clark Pierce The final patrol craft of MSRON 10 Boat Division 101 is eased down the boat ramp for launching before joining its three sister craft for a run to NS Mayport.

MSRON 10 is organized as two boat divisions and a security division in Charleston, S.C., and as a communications/surveillance division and headquarters staff in Jacksonville, Fla. The squadron is a large Navy Reserve unit with almost 500 billets, including an active duty staff of 15 personnel.