The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) steams through the Mediterranean Sea. San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker/Released)USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) made its first transit through the Suez Canal as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Sept. 23.
San Antonio's first transit through the Suez Canal marked its entry into the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
"As we enter the Fifth Fleet area of operations, we will conduct Maritime Security Operations, maritime infrastructure protection and will work to deter destabilizing activities in order to help create a lawful maritime order," said Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio's commanding officer.
San Antonio relied on the skill and expertise of its Sailors to successfully maneuver the Suez Canal's navigational challenges.
"As the first of the class making the transit, we are figuratively in uncharted waters," said Kastner. "However, we have plenty of experience, knowledge and resourcefulness in the crew, which made for a smooth transit."
One of the challenges of the transit was the narrow passage San Antonio had to navigate.
"The path through the Suez is only 119 meters wide with water as deep as 14.8 meters," said Lt. j. g. Kathleen Friel, San Antonio's navigator. "Therefore, the turns made by the helmsman need to be precise when adjusting course."
San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.