Two rigid-hulled inflatable boats and a MH-6 Little Bird approach the Tampa Convention Center during a capabilities demonstration in Tampa, Florida, May 25. Photo by Tech Sgt. Angelita Lawrence.
International SOF demonstrate combat capabilities in Tampa Bay By the USSOCOM Office of Communication Delegates from 84 nations attended the International Special Operations Forces conference, which focused on “strengthening the Global SOF Network.” ISOF is a way for the global SOF community to meet, learn from each other and advance a coordinated effort to meet global security challenges. ISOF week coincides with the annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, which was also held at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. SOFIC had panels with the component and theater special operations commanders as well as presentations by Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Directorate. The capabilities exercise demonstrated the international special operations spirit of cooperation and abilities. Aside from U.S. Special Operations Forces, commandos from Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Poland and Thailand took part in the demonstration. The demonstration featured snipers on the roofs of Tip of the Spear
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A MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew take part in the capabilities exercise in Tampa, Florida, May 25. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Angelita Lawrence.
Tampa General Hospital and Tampa Convention Center, six-man teams on helos, attacking and fast roping onto a cruise ship, performing a hostage rescue. Another scenario featured a 14-man team converging and attacking an enemy encampment by ground military vehicles and two 14-man teams infiltrating via water on rigid-hull inflatable boats.
(Left) Two Navy SEALs climb a caving ladder boarding a cruise ship. (Above) An MH-6 Little Bird provides oversight of the cruise ship. (Below) A Special Tactics Airman parachutes into Tampa Bay. (Bottom) A Special Warfare Combat-craft Crewman fires a .50 caliber machine gun from the rigid-hulled inflatable boat. Photos by Tech Sgt. Angelita Lawrence.
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