Who typically comprises a U.S. Navy VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) team?

A U.S. Navy VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) team typically consists of personnel who have specific roles and training necessary for conducting boarding operations effectively. The composition includes an Officer in Charge (OIC), an Assistant Officer in Charge (AIOC), and various petty officers.

The OIC is responsible for the overall mission and decision-making during the boarding operation, while the AIOC assists in executing the mission and takes command in the OIC's absence. The petty officers provide critical support by fulfilling specialized roles, such as security, engineering, communications, or logistics. Each member is trained to operate under a structured command hierarchy and works cohesively to ensure the operation adheres to legal and operational guidelines.

This structured and functional composition is essential for the safety and success of the team when encountering potentially hostile environments during boarding operations at sea.