Photos from the Front Lines

Evolving Role

U.S. Major Corps Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Regional Command Southwest, speaks to noncommissioned officers on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Aug. 5, 2012, about the Marine Corps' evolving role in Afghanistan.

Loading Rounds

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Shalla uploads 20mm rounds into the weapons system of an F/A-18F Super Hornet strike fighter aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the Arabian Sea, Aug. 2, 2012. The Enterprise is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. Shalla is assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 11.

Sterett Completes Strait of Hormuz Transit

By Ensign Steven Mulherin, USS Sterett Public Affairs

USS STERETT, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) led the ships of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 during a routine, scheduled transit through the Strait of Hormuz to the North Arabian Sea, Feb. 14.

Sterett, the lead ship during the outbound transit, was followed by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). The CSG 9 ships transited the strait to begin conducting flights in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Cmdr. Rich McDaniel, Sterett's commanding officer, said the transit was routine and professional in nature and was carried out without interference.

"Tuesday's transit played out as expected and was completed on schedule," McDaniel said. "I continue to be impressed with the performance of Sterett Sailors on this deployment."

An important element to any strait transit is the preparation conducted by a ship's navigation team, McDaniel added. He said Sterett's navigation team was well-prepared to lead CSG 9 through the Strait of Hormuz.

Lt. j.g. William Pappas, Sterett's navigator, and his contingent of six quartermasters spent hours combing through charts to ensure the ship's safe passage through the strait. They completed the transit without incident.

"My navigation team, comprised largely of junior Sailors, put a lot of time and effort into all of our preparations, especially for transiting the Strait of Hormuz," said Pappas. "Sterett's navigation team was able to plan and execute a safe transit through the strait, and I am proud of their performance."

Sterett and USS Momsen (DDG 92) are part of Destroyer Squadron 9, embarked aboard Lincoln. CSG 9 also includes Cape St. George and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2. CSG 9 is deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of OEF.

Carl Vinson Conducts Second OEF Mission in 12 Months

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lori D. Bent, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors began conducting air missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Jan. 14.

To mark the beginning of their current U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) operations, Carl Vinson and CVW-17 safely launched 58 scheduled combat sorties.

"We are doing our first sets of mission for troops on the ground," said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class (AW) Kyle Pierce, Operations Department's, communications division air operations supervisor and departure controller. "We have to be on the top of our game to be there for the people who need us."

Carl Vinson and CVW-17 spent months performing work ups to train, man and equip the CSG prior to it deploying to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR.

"Our main objective is safe departure and recovery of aircraft so they can successfully carry out their mission," said Cmdr. Brian Flick, Air Operations officer. "We are proud to be able to support OEF.

During Vinson's previous deployment to the AOR in 2011, the crew spent 95 days engaged in maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, and flew 1,656 combat sorties in support of operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Carl Vinson and Carrier Strike Group 1 arrived on station in the Arabian Sea, Jan. 9, to relieve Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Carl Vinson is deployed with guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97).

CVW-17 is comprised of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, VFA-25, VFA-81, VFA-113; Electronic Attack Squadron 134, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 40 and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15.

UAE Steps Into the Fight Against Piracy

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tracey L. Whitley, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- One of the U.S. Navy's top commanders attended an international anti-piracy conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), April 18 and 19.

Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and a U.S. delegation led by Ambassador to the UAE, Richard Olson participated in the two-day conference that gave government and shipping industry leaders from around the globe a chance to convene and seek out solutions to ending piracy in the region.

Held under the theme "Global Challenge, Regional Responses: Forging A Common Approach to Maritime Piracy," the meeting focused on finding ways to counter the recent spike in criminal activity at sea, off the Somali coast and in the Arabian Sea.

Many nations have deployed their naval assets off the coast of Somalia in an effort to counter piracy, especially in the strategic shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden. Navies, including those of the UAE, coalition forces and regional nations, have met Somali pirates with force; however, piracy continues to be a growing international problem.

The conference allowed military and government officials to present the developing issues of international law, addressing the root causes of piracy and opportunities for intelligence sharing.

"We should use the same tools we use in the counter-terrorism fight," said Fox. "We need to take preventative measures to disrupt piracy by following the money, tracing phone calls and disrupting their supply chains."

Mohammed Abdullahi Omar, the foreign minister of Somalia, expressed his concern with the issue by stating that despite the best efforts of foreign nations to contain pirate activity, pirates have gotten smarter and are repositioning their operations further away from Somalia's coast, making them harder to catch without an effective Somali government.

Somalia's government is prepared to act through a comprehensive strategy on piracy, Omar said, but it needs international help. States in the area were urged to extend any logistical support they could to the military response effort, which has notably reduced the achievement rate of pirate attacks and therefore 'must be continuously and vigorously pursued.'

This was the first time the UAE has held an international conference on the topic, taking a strong stand on the problem and proving that they are ready to step up and assist in the fight against piracy.

There were record high numbers in piracy attacks worldwide for the first quarter of 2011, reaching 142, according to the International Maritime Bureau. Almost 70 percent of the attacks occurred off the coast of Somalia, up from 35 percent in the same time frame in 2010.

"The piracy issue requires a mosaic of different people working together - from creating the rule of law ashore in Somalia, industry leaders using best management practices, the military to patrol, disrupt and deter the pirates, and finally we need an appropriate legal 'finish,' so that when we catch people in the act, they're able to be taken to justice," said Fox. "It's an international problem and it's going to take an international cooperative solution."

Sailor Found Dead on Enterprise

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to USS Enterprise (CVN 65) was found deceased on April 19 while the ship was conducting operations in support of Operation New Dawn in the Arabian Gulf.

The Sailor's family has been notified. The Navy conveys its condolences to the family for their loss.

An investigation into the cause of death is ongoing.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.

USS Higgins

ARABIAN SEA (April 6, 2011) The Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) is underway in rough seas. Higgins is deployed with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Alex T. Mabini/Released)

Training Key to Flightdeck Fire Outcome

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

NORTH ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 experienced an engine fire following a touch-and-go landing aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) April 11.

The pilot was able to execute a single-engine approach and land on board. Upon landing, the aircraft fuselage became engulfed in flames.

Carl Vinson's Crash and Salvage team, assigned to Air Department's V-1 Division, responded immediately with the P-25 mobile fire fighting vehicle along with the flight deck emergency hose team. The aircraft fire was extinguished using aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), and the pilot exited the plane uninjured. No flight deck personnel were injured in the mishap.

"It was amazing to sit back and see all of our training come into place," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Chief Benjamin Bilyeu, Crash and Salvage leading chief petty officer. "You can drill day-in and day-out but when the event happens, to actually see the training being as effective as it was, that was incredible and made me proud to be a Sailor on the Vinson."

Carl Vinson Commanding Officer, Capt. Bruce Lindsey, praised the pilot's performance during a challenging landing.

"The pilot executed his emergency procedures flawlessly and made an excellent landing under very difficult circumstances," Lindsey said. "His smart headwork in the cockpit is a testament to his superb training and prevented the loss of the aircraft at sea."

VFA 113 is assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 which is deployed with Carl Vinson. Carl Vinson and CVW-17 are on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron

ARABIAN GULF (April 4, 2011) An E-2C Hawkeye assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 approaches the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting maritime security operations and close-air support missions in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Timothy A. Hazel/Released)

Nighthawks and shooters

ARABIAN SEA (April 4, 2011) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Leonardo Valdez-Fonseca, deck edge operator, signals to a shooter as an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are conducting close-air support missions in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King/Released)

USS Enterprise Rescues Overboard Sailor

By USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) successfully recovered one of its Sailors who went overboard on April 3, at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, while the ship was operating in the Arabian Sea.

The Sailor was quickly recovered by a SH-60F helicopter from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, which was already airborne as the standby Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter. SAR helicopters are frequently airborne during flight quarters as a safety measure.

The Sailor sustained minor injuries and is being treated by the ship's medical department.

Aviation Ordnance

ARABIAN GULF (March 31,2011) Aviation Ordnancemen assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 take ordnance off an F/A-18C Hornet aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting maritime security operations and close-air support missions in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas C. Lopez/Released)

CTF 52 Conducts Mine Countermeasure Exercise with NATO

By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander, Task Force 52 ships participated in a mine countermeasures exercise with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group (SNMCMG) 2 and French forces in the Arabian Gulf March 20-24.

Mine countermeasures ships USS Ardent (MCM 12) and USS Scout (MCM 8), Royal Navy's Fleet auxiliary landing dock ship RFA Lyme Bay and mine countermeasures ships HMS Pembroke and HMS Middleton, all assigned to CTF 52, participated alongside French Ships Croix de Sud and Var as well as the ships of SNMCMG 2 -- Greek frigate HS Spetsai, and minehunters FGS Herten (Germany), HS Kallisto (Greece) ITS Viareggio (Italy) and ESPS Tajo (Spain).

The five-day long exercise gave all forces an opportunity to increase tactical and technical proficiency in a variety of disciplines and emphasized operating as part of a multi-national effort.

In addition to mine detection and neutralization events, the ships conducted gunnery exercises, a group formation photo exercise, underway replenishments and operations with helicopters from Spetsai and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 Det 2, assigned to CTF 52.

"The NATO PASSEX [passing exercise] provided great opportunities to not only practice our core mine warfare competencies, but to do so with our NATO partners. Together, we were able to become a better prepared, more unified force," said Lt. Cmdr. Curtis Sparling, Scout's commanding officer.

At the conclusion of the event, a reception was held aboard Greek frigate HS Spetsai, serving as the flagship for SNMCMG 2. It provided a chance for the crews to meet one another in person.

U.S. Fifth Fleet Commander, Vice Adm. Mark Fox attended the event.

"We have a unique set of challenges in this region," Fox said. "We rely on cooperation and partnerships with other coalitions and independent navies to help achieve our goals of maritime stability and security throughout the region."

CTF 52 is the mine countermeasures force of the Coalition Forces Maritime Component Command overseen by the U.S. 5th Fleet. It operates regularly to ensure free and unfettered use of the sea lanes in the central Arabian Gulf, one of the world's critical stretches of sea for international commerce.

Arabian Sea

ARABIAN SEA (March 26, 2011) Marines assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) push ordnance into place to arm an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251. Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 are conducting maritime security operations and close-air support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jesse L. Gonzalez/Released)