Graduation Ceremonies were held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 for 24 members of the Belize National Coastguard and five members of the Anti-Drug Unit (ADU), who all completed a 5-week intensive Special Warfare Operations Course.
They were trained by Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen of the US Navy. The course covered Navigation, Small-Boat Handing, Communications, Board Search and Seizure, Vectoring, Radar and GPS Operation, Weapon-Handling Skills, and Waterborne Techniques.
The keynote address at this morning’s ceremony was delivered by Vice Admiral Joseph D. Kernan, Deputy Commander of US Southern Command, headquartered in Miami, Florida. Commander of the Belize National Coastguard, Rear Admiral John Borland thanked the US Navy for their assistance and presented a plaque of appreciation to Vice Admiral Joseph D. Kernan. The plaque bears the image of a boat with members of the Belize Coastguard Seal Team on Board.
Commander of Belize Coastguard Rear Admiral John Borland presented a plaque of appreciation to Vice Admiral Joseph D. Kernan
The training just completed is a significant milestone in the development of the Belize Coastguard Seal Team. This is the third evolution of training conducted by a special boat team of the US Navy. The Coastguard Seal Team is the special operating arm of the Belize National Coastguard, and is charged with the responsibility of conducting high-risk operations, counter-narcotics operations, counter-terrorism operations, and maritime interception operations.
Representing the Ministry of National Security at the graduation ceremonies were Major Oscar Mira, Deputy Director of the National Security Council Secretariat, and Major Alvin Amoa, Senior Military Liaison Officer.
The Graduation Ceremonies took place at the Belize National Coastguard Headquarters at Mile 4 ½ on the George Price Highway.
