Guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) conducts normal underway operations as part of Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group. Anzio is on a scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO).By Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs
USS ANZIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The crew aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) took a break in its busy schedule at sea to mark the middle of the ship's deployment in support of counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia Aug. 24.
Anzio left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., in May and became the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 June 28. CTF 151 is a multinational coalition established by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy activity in the Horn of Africa region.
"Today was an excellent opportunity for the crew to relax and spend the day together with embarked staff and units and just to have some good old fashioned flight deck fun," said Anzio's Executive Officer, Cmdr. Bill Ketcham. "They have been working around the clock for several months now and they deserve this."
The crew enjoyed a holiday routine that included events throughout the day such as a tug-of-war contest, bean-bag toss, pie in the face MWR fundraiser, steel beach picnic, talent show, ice cream social and movies on the flight deck after dark.
"I really enjoyed the tug-of-war contest because it leveled the playing field showing that we are all one team which is a reflection of our daily interaction on watch with each other," said Storekeeper 1st Class Keith Gilbert.
After several months of conducting counterpiracy operations, the crew enjoyed the break.
"It was very nice to relax," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Justin Morgan. "We work long days, so it is great to get a break from the routine and re-charge our batteries. It was a lot of fun."
Other units embarked aboard Anzio including the Helicopter Squadron Light 48, Det. 7, joint the U.S./UK CTF 151 staff, U.S. Coast Guard legal detachment (LEDET) and the emergency resuscitation surgical team also took time to relax.
Anzio is commanded by Capt. Frank Olmo from Harrington Park, N.J. Olmo assumed command of the Aegis cruiser March 19.