NAVSCIATTS graduates 60 international students representing 21 partner nations

By Glenn Sircy

USN

DIAMONDHEAD, Miss.—Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS) graduated Class 16-2 comprised of 60 international students representing 21 partner nations the evening of March 10, 2016, at the Diamondhead Country Club.

Lieutenant Hammadi Jlassi of Tunisia was class 16-2’s class leader of the international students representing the countries of Belize, Barbados, Botswana, Grenada, Haiti, Hungary, Jamaica, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Suriname, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, and Uganda.

“One can only say that a global experience such as this strengthens an individual and expands his knowledge,” said Jlassi. “Although NAVSCIATTS’ courses last a few numbered weeks, participants learn skills and build global friendships that will stay with them the rest of the lives.”

The 60 international students graduated from seven separate NAVSCIATTS’ courses of instruction that encompassed the International Tactical Communications Course, Patrol Craft Officer Coastal Course, Patrol Craft Officer Riverine Course, International Small Arms Maintenance Course, Diesel Systems Overhaul and Maintenance Course, Technical Welding and Applied Repairs Course, and Outboard Motor and Maintenance Overhaul Course. 

Cmdr. Clay Pendergrass, commanding officer of NAVSCIATTS, shared that the graduating students represent the best of their countries, and he congratulated them for their hard work and professionalism. 

“Your graduation from each of the courses of instruction will certainly bring better security and stability to your countries and the world,” said Pendergrass. However, that is not the most valuable thing you will bring back to your countries. The most important reason you came here was to interact, communicate, understand and earn the trust and respect of each other so that we can all build, shape and maintain stronger strategic relationships with our diverse partner forces.”

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Efren Perez, director of the Maritime Group of the Philippine National Police. 

“We are truly grateful and appreciative of the fact that NAVSCIATTS trains and educates foreign security forces and other international students, molding them into competent officers and leaders while enhancing their abilities and skills,” said Perez. "The courses offered and global partnerships forged at NAVSCIATTS helps all partner nations enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security around the world.” 

NAVSCIATTS is a Department of the Navy schoolhouse operating under the United States Special Operations Command. NAVSCIATTS trains and educates Partner Nation Security Forces (PNSF) on a wide range of topics including small craft strategy, operations, communications, weapons, maintenance and instructor development. 

NAVSCIATTS currently offers 20 courses with an average of nearly 1,000 personnel graduating from in-resident and mobile training events annually. Since 1963, over 11,000 students from 107 partner nations have graduated from NAVSCIATTS. Courses are offered in English and Spanish or in other languages through the use of translators.