Members of New York's naval force hone skills during weekend training at Camp Smith, July 25

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A New York Naval Militia member stacking sandbags during the state response to heavy snows in Erie County in November, 2014.

CAMP SMITH, NY (07/24/2015)(readMedia)-- Seventy-five members of the New York Naval Militia, the state's naval self-defense force, will conduct training at the New York National Guard's Camp Smith Training Site on Saturday, July 25.

Four New York Naval Militia patrol boats will also be exercising in the Hudson River near Peekskill as part of the training event.Members of the media are invited to observe logistics and medical training taking place at Camp Smith.

WHO: 75 members of the New York Naval Militia from across the state.

WHAT: Logistics training on forklift operation at the Camp Smith warehouse and an emergency medical response exercise in a special clinic tent. The medical exercise will involve realistic simulated wounds for participants to deal with.

WHEN: 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2015

WHERE: Camp Smith Training Site, Routes 206 and 6, Cortlandt Manor

For access to this secure military facility reports must contact Naval Militia commander John Trombetta at 315-430-8107.

Coverage opportunities:

Video and still imagery of medical clinic training featuring realistic-looking moulage make-up which replicate various injuries and Naval Militia members training as forklift operators to assist in logistics missions. Interviews with participants and Naval Militia leaders can be arranged.

BACKGROUND

The training will involve patrol boat maneuvers in the Hudson River, and logistical operations, and realistic medical response exercises at Camp Smith itself.

The training scenario will test the Naval Militia's ability to mobilize forces in response to a coastal storm hitting New York. The Naval Militia's personnel section will also test its ability to contact members of the force and bring them on duty in a timely manner.

The New York Naval Militia is the maritime component of the New York Military Forces which also include the Army and Air National Guard and the New York Guard, a volunteer state defense force.

Founded in 1891, the New York Naval Militia has about 2,500 members. The bulk of these members are serving members of the federal Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve who volunteer to perform state missions when called by the governor of New York. Five percent of the members are retired service members who serve only in a state status.

The members of the federal reserve forces put the skills they have learned in the military as Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen at the service of New York State.

The New York Naval Militia also maintains a fleet of nine patrol boats which conduct maritime missions in conjunction with the United State Coast Guard, the United State Border Patrol, other state agencies and local law enforcement on lakes and rivers across New York.