Mariners Head Home Following Rescue At Sea

From Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Ten mariners were transferred Aug. 10 to the Iranian navy for repatriation following a rescue at-sea.

Guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) rescued the men from their burning vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Aug 8.

The vessel was flying an Iranian flag. The mariners - who claim to be Iranian - were well cared for and received medical treatment aboard James E. Williams. They were transported to aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), where they received further medical treatment before being transported back  to James E. Williams while awaiting repatriation efforts.

James E. Williams is currently deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

USS James E. Williams Transfers Rescued Mariners to Iranian Vessel

By Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At Sea (NNS) -- USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS, At Sea - Guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams transferred 10 Iranian mariners rescued from a burning dhow Aug. 8 to an Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman Aug. 10.

Members of Williams' visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team transferred the mariners from the destroyer to an Iranian-flagged dhow for repatriation.

Williams (DDG 95) rescued the 10 mariners in the Gulf of Oman after they were forced to abandon their burning vessel.

Following the rescue, the mariners were taken to Williams, where they received initial medical treatment for injuries sustained during the fire and subsequent evacuation.

They were then transported to aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for further medical treatment before being returned to Williams for today's repatriation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

James E. Williams is currently deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

For further questions, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office.

 Phone: 011-973-1785-4027 or E-mail: navcentpao@me.navy.mil>