By COREY BYERS
Before a Norfolk-based Navy squadron heads to Iraq, it will be training for combat on the Rappahannock River.
Navy Lt. Michael Quaresimo, a training officer with Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, said a 12-person team will conduct exercises on the river Tuesday through Thursday.
Quaresimo said training would occur within 21/2 miles east and west of the Port Royal bridge on U.S. 301, as well as at Fort A.P. Hill in Caroline County.
"The river is a great training opportunity for us," Quaresimo said. "It simulates the waterways and rivers that we'll operate on."
He said as many as four gunboats could be participating in the three-day exercise, but would use only blank ammunition.
"We're going to go out of our way to make sure everyone is safe," Quaresimo said of the training.
He encouraged people boating on the river not to approach the Navy gunboats, for safety reasons.
Corey Byers: 540/735-1976
Email: cbyers@freelancestar.com