BUFFALO, NY-  Members of Coast Guard Sector Buffalo will conduct three days of vertical delivery (VDEL) training to enhance their ability to conduct Maritime Homeland Security operations. VDEL training will allow Coast Guard law enforcement teams, if needed, to board commercial vessels underway in the Great Lakes from a helicopter.

Coast Guard boarding team members will undergo training consisting of classroom instruction, pool training and helicopter operations. During the classroom portion team members will familiarize themselves with the HH-65 'Dolphin' helicopter, emergency procedures and flight safety. Water survival and aircraft egress training will take place on the second day in the pool. The final day will include both static helicopter drills and flight operations. The boarding team members will be deployed to and from the helicopter as it hovers.

Training begins today and will culminate with the helicopter exercise this Wednesday.Vertical delivery is another tool the Coast Guard will have to enhance Maritime Homeland Security in the Great Lakes. During the shipping season over 4000 vessel transit the Great Lakes.