January 26, 2009Navy News|by MC1 Monique K. Hilley
USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea - When boarding teams depart the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) in rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) to deter piracy in the Gulf of Aden, the Scout Sniper Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, currently attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provides protection for the Sailors and Coast Guardsmen.
"The scout snipers' role while attached to Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 is to supply either aerial support from a scout sniper position inside the helicopter or, if need be, we can provide support from the ship to provide over-watch for the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team as they go ahead and take out a vessel," said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Benkie, scout sniper platoon sergeant.
