USS Porter, USS Carr Deploy in Support of Global War on Terrorism

Navy NewsStand ^ | Nov 28, 2005 | Journalist Seaman Apprentice Katrina Scampini

[SandRat]

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 600 Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and the frigate USS Carr (FFG 52), homeported in Norfolk, deployed Nov. 28 in support of the global war on terrorism.

Porter and Carr will participate in regional exercises with allies as a Surface Strike Group (SSG). The SSG will make diplomatic port calls and respond to any contingency operations, including those associated with the war on terrorism.

“The primary focus is going to be enhancing the U.S. diplomatic missions by interacting with foreign countries,” said Cmdr. Douglas Nashold, commanding officer of Porter.

Nashold said the ships will be operating from the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and off the west coast of Africa. He said he has high hopes for what Sailors on Porter and Carter can accomplish.

“They will gain an appreciation for what the U.S. Navy can do to foster the U.S. diplomatic mission,” said Nashold.

The SSG is a flexible group that can operate independently or in conjunction with other maritime forces to provide support for joint and allied forces.

[SandRat]

Ships and Sailors sailing "In Harms Way."

[brivette]

Kick Ass.

[pabianice]

The Perry-class frigates (FFGs) are a sore point with us retired Navy people. The Navy, to save money, has removed their only real weapon, the SM Standard Missile, leaving the Perry's with one small deck gun mounted between masts (meaning it can't fire forward or aft). As a result, Perrys are now what are technically known as "targets."

The bigger picture is that there is no money for a fleet. We had 594 ships during Reagan's administration. We are down to 312 and that will become 284 within the next few years -- fewer than before World War I. If the terrorists come by sea we may be screwed.

[Christian4Bush]

God be with you, brave ones. The prayers of many grateful citizens go before and behind you, above, beneath and beside you.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT