Steven Decker teaches a group of Navy SEALs rope techniques June 17 during a river crossing exercise at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, during Northern Edge 2009. Northern Edge is a large-scale exercise hosted in Alaska to improve command, control and communications between the Armed Services. Mr. Decker is an instructor at the Northern Warfare Training Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

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A team of Navy SEALs conduct a river crossing exercise at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, during Northern Edge 2009, June 17. Northern Edge is a large-scale exercise hosted in Alaska to improve command, control and communications between the Armed Services. The west coast based SEAL's are training for overseas operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

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A group of Navy SEALs prepares to cross Phelan Creek at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, during Northern Edge 2009. Northern Edge is a large-scale exercise hosted in Alaska to improve command, control and communications between the Armed Services. The Northern Warfare Training Center and the SEALs worked together on river crossing techniques and rope handling. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

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Steven Decker briefs a group of Navy SEALs river crossing and rope techniques June 17 during a training exercise at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, during Northern Edge 2009. Northern Edge is a large-scale exercise hosted in Alaska to improve command, control and communications between the Armed Services. Mr. Decker is an instructor at the Northern Warfare Training Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

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Army Sgt. William Penley looks over the Alaskan terrain in a CH-47 Chinook during Northern Edge 2009, June 17. Northern Edge is a large-scale exercise hosted in Alaska to improve command, control and communications between the Armed Services. Sergeant Penley is a flight engineer assigned to Bravo Comany 152, Fort Wainwright, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

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Northern Warfare Training Center helps prepare SEALs

Published June 24, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz
Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- A West Coast-based SEAL team continued their training during Northern Edge 2009 with the help from the Northern Warfare Training Center here June 17.

The SEAL team learned and practiced several river crossing techniques to prepare them for overseas contingency operations.

"The training that we are learning here is invaluable," said a senior SEAL member. "We are always looking ways to improve skills; Northern Edge gives us an opportunity to do that."

The training was conducted at Phelan Creek, flowing with freezing glacier water and silt that can add unnecessary weight if an individual is in the water for too long.

"The water was pretty cold and the current was fast," said the SEAL member, "but our guys weren't afraid to get in there and go to work."

NWTC instructors provided demonstrations and hands-on training on how to cross waters ranging from low to high flowing, and short to long distances.

The opportunity not only gave them a chance to learn valuable training, it also gave them
a chance to see what they can improve on.

"The instructors from the NWTC showed us some excellent techniques that our guys will use in the future," he said. "We're happy to have a new asset in our skill set."