Security Department duty = a faceful of pepper spray
March 2nd, 2012 | Carriers Navy OC spray Persian Gulf | Posted by Bill McMichael
Pepper spray “familiarization” is old hat for master-at-arms sailors. But I’m guessing that not all those who volunteer for security department duty know what they’re getting into when they raise their right hand.
At some point during the training, it looks something like this:
Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Jonathan Chapman, temporarily assigned to the security department aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, defends himself against a simulated attacker after being sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum or OC spray during March 2 security academy OC spray qualifications. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are underway in the Persian Gulf. // U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rosa A. Arzola
Given the message on the shirt, Chapman knew what was coming on this particular day. Looks like someone didn’t take his advice.
No pain, no gain
September 23rd, 2011 | Carrier qualifications Carriers Life at Sea Master-at-arms Navy OC spray Photos Security Force training Training | Posted by Bill McMichael
So you want to be a Navy master-at-arms or join a ship’s security force? Know that this is a hurdle you’ll have to clear:
Air-Traffic Controller Airman Tom Smith, from Boston, Mass., is sprayed with Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) while qualifying for a certification to carry OC spray and a baton as part of the security force aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower. Ike is underway in the Atlantic conducting carrier qualifications. // U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Parde
Yep, that’s a faceful of Oleoresin Capsicum spray — a staple of master-at-arms “A” school training and part of a requirement for shipboard security force qualification. But you don’t just get a level one (directly in the face) spray shot of the (obviously) non-lethal pepper spray, which burns like the dickens and can cause breathing problems. You have to show you can fight through the pain and do your job:
Airman James Fritz, from Pittsburgh, Pa., performs defensive strikes after being sprayed with OC spray while qualifying to be certified as part of the security force aboard Ike. // U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Parde
That guy in the Storm Trooper gear? He’s gotta go down, as well:
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Larmonz Lynn, from Toms River, N.J., performs a takedown after being sprayed with OC spray while qualifying for a certification to carry OC spray and a baton as part of the security force aboard Ike. // U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan Parde
Like they say, you really gotta want it.