Everett sailors deployed to Southeast Asia participated in recent exercises with members of the Royal Thai Navy in Sattahip, Thailand.
Crew members of the Everett-based USS Ford and sailors from two other U.S. warships were involved in the training, which included lessons on boarding and searching other ships for smuggling operations, a Navy spokesman said.
The Ford left Everett in early May for Southeast Asian waters to engage in training and cooperation with U.S. allies in the region
The ship previously had been scheduled to head to the Persian Gulf at the end of this year, but the Ford’s deployment schedule was accelerated after another Everett frigate encountered supply and mechanical problems.
The other ship originally had been scheduled for this cruise, but the task went to the Ford because the other ship wasn’t ready.
During the recent exercise, boarding teams of all ships participated in two days of classroom training and presentations led by the Ford team headed by Lt. j.g. Jessica McClay. Then boarding teams began the hands-on phase of the training.
Ford personnel led an eight-hour session on defensive tactics at a local gym, including applying handcuffs, learning various holds and practicing takedown moves.
After that, Ford and Thai sailors worked together in boarding teams for a mock assault on the Ford to simulate searches and dealing with aggressive personnel. Following the shore training, crews participated in a mock search of a Thai vessel while at sea, according to a Navy spokesman.
Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or haley@heraldnet.com.
U.S. Navy
Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Tamayo instructs a sailor from the Royal Thai Navy on a control technique taught during a boarding exercise.
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