USS George HW Bush Operating in the Arabian Gulf

ARABIAN GULF (May 5, 2017) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) wave to the Danish navy frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F 362) as it departs the Arabian Gulf. George H.W. Bush is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Gaines/Released)

Truman CSG Operating in Arabian Sea

Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) participates in a replenishment-at-sea with fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197). Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bobby J Siens/Released)

New radar helps Airmen defend Arabian Gulf

by Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Grewe, 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Airmen defending the Arabian Gulf have another arrow in their quiver thanks to a new radar system installed at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here March 18.

The TPS-75, or "Tipsy-75" as the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron calls it, is a powerful air surveillance radar capable of providing long-range, real-time radar coverage.

Airmen assigned to the 727th EACS use the TPS-75 to provide 24-hour air defense and surveillance for unknown threats over the entire Arabian Gulf region. The new system gives the radar operators both a bigger and more detailed picture as they monitor all aerial activity in the area.

"Our job is to constantly watch the skies," said Lt. Col. Steven A. Breitfelder, the 727th EACS commander. "Our operators defend the Arabian Gulf and its surrounding countries by monitoring the area for enemy aircraft."

The 727th EACS set a goal for increased radar coverage to improve their current mission capabilities. Airmen began looking and coordinating with the host nation in January to find a suitable site able to support the TPS-75.

"This was a major goal of ours, and it's a really great feeling to get it accomplished," said Breitfelder, who is deployed from Blue Ash Air National Guard Station, Ohio. "The maintenance folks finally get to see the results of all their hard work, and that is very rewarding."

Radar maintenance craftsman Staff Sgt. Ron Applegate, also deployed from Blue Ash ANG Station, was thrilled to have the opportunity to set up the radar.

"We've been chomping at the bit since January to set her up," Applegate said. "I'm just happy we finally get the chance to set up and work on the radar. I love the sense of pride that I get as a radar maintenance technician, knowing that our job is going toward the successful execution of the mission."

Once they received the orders, the entire squadron's maintenance section formed a team and got to work. Comprised of radar, computer, radio, and satellite and generator maintenance experts, the team combined their talents to set up an operational radar site in less than two days.

"Once we got out there and started working, everything just fell into place," Applegate said. "It gave us all a chance to put our training and skills to good use, and to show off what we do best."

USS McFaul Heads to the Arabian Sea

By Story by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Karen E. Cozza, COMNAVSURFLANT Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) departed Naval Station Norfolk today on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Arabian Sea to participate in counter-piracy operations.

The crew, commanded by Cmdr. Daniel J. Gillen, has been preparing for this deployment since they returned from their last deployment in August 2010.

"I have a great crew and we are ready for this deployment," praised Gillen. "I like to think this ship is like a Swiss Army Knife; we can do everything, from humanitarian relief to full combat operations."

"I look forward to getting over there and bringing this ship, one of the best ships on the Norfolk waterfront, overseas to do our mission," he added.

This will be McFaul's Command Master Chief Dianne Lohner's seventh and last deployment before retiring later this year.

"It will be a little bittersweet for me," said Lohner. "But I'm excited about all the new experiences we will have and the Naval traditions that we will continue to pass along."

"For the new Sailors making their first deployment, I stress with them to make sure they make the most out of every day out there," she added.

This is the first deployment for Navy wives Hillary Chaney, wife of Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Bryce Chaney and Annie Verteramo, wife of Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jameson Verteramo, who stood together as the ship pulled out.

"I am proud to know that I am married to a man who is going to do this for our country, even though it's sad that he has to leave to do it," Hillary said.

Annie added, "I feel selfish for not wanting him to leave, but I am definitely proud, it is cool to know that your husband is out there doing this."

McFaul, commissioned in 1998, is the 24th Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer, and was named after Chief Petty Officer Donald L. McFaul. McFaul was a local SEAL Team 4 hero who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Nation's second highest combat valor award, for his heroic actions in saving his teammates during combat operations in December 1989 as part of Operation Just Cause in Panama.

Eye on the Fleet - USS John C Stennis in Arabian Gulf

Sailors directs aircraft into position during flight operations on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

US, French Warships Conduct Surface Warfare Exercise in Arabian Sea

From Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS HALSEY, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) and French Navy frigate FS Tourville (D 610) participated in a joint gunnery exercise in the Arabian Sea, Dec. 5 to enhance coalition maritime forces training and coordination.

During the exercise, both ships fired a variety of high- and low-caliber weapons at a large inflatable target simulating a hostile threat.

On the Halsey's first two passes by the target, the crew fired their 5-inch/62 gun. The next two passes were made firing a 25 mm gun, an M240B machine gun and the ship's Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS).

The training displayed the two nations' ability to work effectively to accomplish their missions with great levels of interoperability.

Cmdr. Jordy Harrison, USS Halsey commanding officer, said the joint scenario showcased the two ships' ability to maneuver and communicate as a unified force.

"This exercise demonstrated the teamwork and proficiency we have developed in working with our French allies," Harrison said. "The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, in conjunction with the French Navy, is dedicated and well-rehearsed to execute any mission that will bring security and stability to the region."

Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Michael Kennedy, USS Halsey small arms marksmanship instructor, said the exercise was a great way to show that hard work and cooperation pay off.

"When everyone works together to accomplish a common goal, it's very rewarding to see the successes that are achieved," said Kennedy, a native of Port St. Joe, Fla.

Halsey, a member of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, is currently on a scheduled deployment with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which consists of flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked Carrier Air Wing 2, embarked DESRON 9 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71).

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.

Cleveland Completes Maritime Infrastructure Protection Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Grant P. Ammon, Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS CLEVELAND, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Cleveland (LPD 7) completed a multinational maritime infrastructure protection exercise in the Arabian Gulf Jan. 13.

Twenty-two ships from five nations took part in the four-day exercise, STAKENET PLUS, which focused heavily on wide area maritime infrastructure protection (WAMIP) operations. The operations were conducted under the tactical control of United Arab Emirates Army Col. Tareq K. Al Zaabi, the current commander of Combined Task Force 152.

"STAKENET developed the ability of navies from different countries to work together and protect critical maritime infrastructure anywhere in a given area of responsibility," said Capt. Bradley Mai, the Task Group 152.1 commander that embarked Cleveland during the exercise.

Critical maritime infrastructure consists of facilities, structures, systems, assets, or services that, if disrupted, would have a debilitating impact on regional security, stability and prosperity.

"Our operations took place over nearly 900 square miles," said Mai. "This was the first time we have trained to protect this large of an area with a force this diverse."

Training operations such as STAKENET bolster maritime security operations and directly complement Navy efforts to strengthen existing ties and emerging partnerships.

"The maritime strategy calls for and hinges upon our ability to work well with our regional partners," said Mai. "There is no better example of that ability than these countries coming together to focus their efforts on key interests that are shared by many of our global partners."

Cleveland served as the command and control platform for exercise assets. The ship's ability to embark the Coalition staff played an integral role in the successful coordination of large-scale, multinational maritime maneuvers.

"A maritime exercise of this size and complexity needs a commander serving afloat to rapidly respond to any of the many issues that arise day-to-day," said Mai. "Our ability to embark USS Cleveland and execute an exercise of this magnitude is extraordinary."

"Our ship played multiple roles during STAKENET, said Capt. Kevin Couch, Cleveland's commanding officer. "We hosted the task group staff, and were responsible for the inner defense zone around the Coalition's critical maritime infrastructure."

Cleveland is deployed with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, currently supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Exercise Iron Magic Concludes in Arabian Gulf

By Lt.j.g. Jennifer Womble, Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Public Affairs

Arabian Gulf (NNS) -- The exercise was a culmination of the training conducted during the weeklong exercise which included host nation Marines training alongside the aviation combat element, ground combat element and logistics combat element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander ESG-5 commended the interoperability demonstrated during the exercise.

"The impressive skills exhibited by the host nation Marines ensured the success of this exercise," said Harris. "The relationships we are able to form during this annual exercise are invaluable, and we look forward to future training with them."

Harris also observed the Fleet Shock Trauma Platoon of Combat Logistics Battalion 11, the logistics combat element of the 11th MEU, instructing host nation Marines on basic lifesaving techniques. The surgical team is the first with shock trauma capability to be deployed with a MEU, and consists of two emergency medical physicians, a physician's assistant, a critical care nurse and about 20 corpsmen.

"There is a period known as the golden hour, which is the first 60 minutes following an injury for the medical team to stabilize the victim. That is where we excel by providing advanced care during the first moments following battlefield injuries. Once the patient is stabilized we are able to transport them to a full care hospital where they receive further treatment," said Lt. Brian Downing, emergency response doctor with the Shock Trauma Platoon.

The Marines and Sailors, part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, came ashore from amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), which departed San Diego Sept. 18, on a deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East.

Eisenhower Operating in Arabian Sea

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) operates in the Arabian Sea displaying signal flags that read, "IKE, CVN 69, GR8R EACH DAY." The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway on a scheduled deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operate in international waters across the globe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)