Posted on 06/08/2005 3:56:01 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), currently operating as part of Task Force 51 in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, helped ward off an attack on motor vessel Tigris June 6 in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Somalia.
The guided-missile destroyer received word of the attack via a bridge-to-bridge radio report from Tigris. The crew of the motor vessel, who escaped uninjured, reported they were under attack and being fired upon.
“The master [of Tigris] sounded extremely scared and provided Gonzalez his position and requested immediate assistance,” said Cmdr. Jeffrey Griffin, Gonzalez’s commanding officer.
Gonzalez, currently conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the area, responded immediately and began moving toward Tigris at best speed in order to render assistance.
To let the attackers know of their presence, the crew of Gonzalez fired .50 caliber machine guns, energized their searchlights, and fired flares in the direction of the attack in order to illuminate the area.
“I believe that Gonzalez’s very overt approach was likely observed by pirates, who then broke off contact on M/V Tigris,” said Griffin. “M/V Tigris appears fortunate to have had a coalition warship in the vicinity when the attack occurred or she could have become a victim.”
Gonzalez continued with its MSO mission while concurrently monitoring Tigris’ passage. MSO sets the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
“The master [of Tigris] repeatedly thanked Gonzalez over bridge-to-bridge for her assistance,” said Griffin.
Gonzalez deployed from Norfolk, Va., March 25, as part of the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Expeditionary Strike Group, with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), based in Camp Lejeune, N.C., and is currently assigned to Commander, Task Force 51 operating in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command area of responsibility.
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
Medal of Honor Citation
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Near Thua Thien, Republic of Vietnam, 4 February 1968. Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex. Born: 23 May 1946, Edinburg Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A. On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city. While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire. One of the marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded marine to a covered position for treatment. Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a fortified machine gun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly across from the bunker. Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades. Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On 4 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire. Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements. He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded. The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sgt. Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Checksight observer. They needed somebody to hang if the tow got hit.
(1) MK-45 MOD 2 - 5"/54 Cal. Cannon
[4]M2 Browning 50 cals
[4]M60 30 cals
[2] 20mm Mk15 6 barrel CWIS
Alfredo Gonzalez' mother is a good woman, too. She hosts crewmembers of the USS Gonzalez at her home every year and refers to them as "my boys".
Nice point on the Spruance 5"---the Navy just recently announced they were going to start retiring the Spruance class---Spruance first, but that leaves 29 more of them out there. That's better stuff than anyone else has!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.