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>

Navy Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two sailors who died in a helicopter crash July 19 in Oman.

Senior Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Sean P. Sullivan, 40, of St. Louis, Mo., and Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) Second Class Joseph P. Fitzmorris, 31, of West Monroe, La., were declared deceased following an extensive search of the wreckage and the surrounding areas of the crash.

For further information related to this release, contact Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet Public Affairs at 011-973-1785-4027.

MH-53 Helicopter Crashes Near Oman

American Forces Press Service

FIFTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS, July 19, 2012 – An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron-15 crashed 58 miles southwest of Muscat, Oman, today while conducting heavy lift support operations, according to a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command news release issued today.

The crash was not due to hostile activity and the status of the five crew members is still being determined, the release said.

Another MH-53E helicopter assigned to the squadron is on the scene, providing search and rescue assistance, according to the news release.

The incident is under investigation, the release said.

Little: Middle East Minesweeping Exercise Set for September

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2012 – A multinational minesweeping exercise scheduled for this fall in the waters of the Middle East is intended to increase U.S. capabilities and cooperation with allies, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little told reporters today.

“This is not an exercise aimed to deliver a message to Iran,” Little said in answer to questions about the reported maneuvers.

Rather, “It’s an international symposium and exercise of mine countermeasures conducted in multiple locations in the [U.S. Naval Forces Central Command] area of operations,” he added.  “This is a defensive exercise aimed at preserving freedom of navigation in the international waterways of the Middle East and aimed at promoting regional stability in the [U.S. Central Command] area of responsibility.”

According to Centcom, the International Mines Countermeasures Exercise, scheduled to run from Sept. 16 through Sept. 27, will include more than 20 nations across four continents.

Scenarios will focus on a hypothetical threat from an extremist organization mining the international strategic waterways of the Middle East, Centcom said in a statement.

Additionally, there will be scenario-based exercises held in the Persian Gulf, but they will not extend to the Strait of Hormuz near Iran, Centcom officials said. Exercises will take place in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman.

Little noted this will be an important exercise involving an international contingent of military planners.

“These exercises are designed to enhance cooperation, develop a mutual maritime capability and aimed at promoting long-term regional stability,” he said.

US 5th Fleet Welcomes New Commander As Vice Adm. Miller Takes Helm of US Navy In Middle East

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lewis Hunsaker, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

KHALIFA BIN SALMAN PORT, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/5th Fleet (C5F)/Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) held a change of command ceremony aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), May 24.

Vice Adm. John Miller relieved Vice Adm. Mark Fox as commander of NAVCENT/C5F/CMF.

As the guest speaker, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, commander, U.S. Central Command, addressed the distinguished guests from regional and coalition partner nations, as well as fellow service members, in the hangar bay of the U.S. Navy's first nuclear aircraft carrier and the second oldest vessel in commission. Enterprise is on its 22nd and final deployment.

Mattis highlighted NAVCENT/C5F/CMF numerous achievements during Fox's tenure, including assisting 62 ships and 610 mariners in distress at sea, and air support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Admiral Fox, the prince of the sea, emir of the sea - to translate 'admiral' from the Arabic to English - is a shipmate and a trusted confidant; I have relied on his operational judgment from day one. A key advisor, he's got a fighter's instinct and a diplomat's understanding," said Mattis. "Thank you, Admiral Fox. You are the epitome of a naval officer."

Since July 2010, Fox has led more than 25,000 U.S. and coalition service members operating continuously in the region providing security, defending against violent extremism, conducting maritime security operations (MSO) and providing support for operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

"The U.S. and Combined Maritime Forces contribution and presence is vital to security and stability in this region of the world," said Fox. "It's essential for the global economy that every nation has a presence here."

Fox wore the Order of Bahrain, First-class medal, which was bestowed upon him on May 11, by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain. Fox was presented the award in honor of his meritorious service as Commander, NAVCENT/C5F/CMF. During the change of command ceremony, he was awarded the Department of the Navy's Distinguished Service Medal for his exceptional performance as NAVCENT/C5F/CMF commander from July 2010 to May 2012.

Fox has been confirmed for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5), in Washington, D.C.

Miller's previous assignments include serving as the NAVCENT deputy commander and chief of staff for Commander, U.S. Central Command. His most recent tour was as special assistant to the deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy (N3/N5) in Washington, D.C.

"It's an honor to be here and to serve with the greatest group of Sailors and Marines the world has ever seen," said Miller.

Miller's goals as the new commander are to build upon existing relationships and foster new partnerships throughout the region.

"It is always important to build the coalition," said Miller. "It's our job to maintain security and stability in the region, and we do that through a large variety of coalition partners who share a common cause with us."

NAVCENT/C5F/CMF area of responsibility encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Face of Defense: Sailor Employs Language Skills

By Navy Seaman Anna Wade

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

GULF OF OMAN, April 21, 2011 – When the visit, board, search and seizure team aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley conducted an approach-and-visit operation here April 5, the team brought its own translator for the first time.

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Kashou, an operations specialist and a new member of the team, is a Palestinian-American who grew up speaking Arabic.

"[Kashou] has become our hero here,” said Navy Ensign Michael Seymour, Bulkeley's boarding officer. “His first trip out with the VBSS team proved to be a huge success since we were able to use his language skills to our advantage."

When VBSS members conduct operations with small vessels in foreign waters, they often encounter non-English-speaking mariners. The team members are taught a few Arabic phrases, but the team benefits greatly from having someone who can understand what people are saying and speak to them fluently, Seymour said.

"It feels good to be contributing to the 'global force for good' with the skills I was taught as a child,” Kashou said. “Arabic is a skill I am lucky to have, and I am thrilled to be a part of the VBSS team, helping them communicate with people who speak Arabic."

Seymour said there would have been little dialogue between the VBSS team members and the fishermen if Kashou had not joined the team.

"We are really lucky to have Kashou aboard the Bulkeley,” he said. “Without him, we would have run into a communication barrier between us and the fishermen. I truly believe without sailors like Kashou, the Navy would not be as strong as it is today."

USS Bulkeley is part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, conducting maritime security operations on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Chairman: Incident Highlights Piracy Threat

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

MANAMA, Bahrain, Feb. 24, 2011 – Condemning pirates who killed four Americans aboard a private sailing vessel this week, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff vowed today that the United States, as part of a strong international coalition, will continue to pursue this growing threat.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, who arrived here during the sixth stop in a week-long trip through the region, credited the “extraordinary amount of work” the U.S. 5th Fleet based here has committed toward this long-recognized issue.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces stood up a multinational anti-piracy effort known as Combined Task Force 151 more than two years ago. The task force operates primarily in and around the Gulf of Aden, but also in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

NATO and European Union commands have joined the effort, bringing to more than 30 the number of ships committed to counterpiracy operations, Mullen noted. “That is a very good reflection of the significance of the challenge, and also the priority, in terms of focus,” the chairman said.

In addition, the maritime industry has joined the effort as well, he noted, ensuring ship crews are aware of the threat and take proper precautions.

The chairman expressed condolences for the families of four U.S. citizens Somali pirates killed this week aboard the 58-foot yacht Quest. The incident, he said, reflects the growing reach and lethality of pirates.

“We have watched them adapt their procedures, and in fact, they are now seizing vessels farther and farther from Somalia,” he said. Where pirates once operated within a couple hundred miles of their Somali base, he noted, they now have been identified as far as 1,500 miles away.

Meanwhile, the pirates have adopted new tactics to increase their capabilities. For example, using the “mother ship concept,” they deploy skiffs to operate ever more deeply into international waters.

This exacerbates the counterpiracy challenge. When Combined Task Force 51 initially launched, officials said, pirates’ operating area topped 1.1 million square miles –- roughly four times the size of Texas, or the size of the Mediterranean and Red seas combined.

With pirates’ expanded reach, Mullen acknowledged that tracking them down sometimes can be akin to finding “a needle in a haystack.”

But as tragic as the Quest incident was, Mullen said, the fact that more hijackings don’t occur is a testament to a dedicated international crackdown, particularly in light of heavy maritime activity in the region.

“We have improved our capabilities dramatically,” he said, reaffirming U.S. commitment to stopping pirates from interfering with freedom of the seas.

“These are criminals,” he said. “And some of them certainly have not been deterred.”