Surface Strike Group Makes “Surge” Deployment

Navy NewsStand ^ | Journalist 2nd Class Joshua Glassburn

[SandRat]

NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 700 Sailors on two surface ships “surged” April 18 as part of the Global War on Terrorism Surface Strike Group (GWOT SSG) 06-2 from their homeports in Norfolk, Va. and Mayport, Fla.

The amphibious transport dock USS Trenton (LPD 14), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk and the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) homeported at Naval Station Mayport deployed. The guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) homeported at Naval Station Norfolk will depart at a later date to join the group.

As a surface strike group, Trenton, Hue City, and James E. Williams will enhance naval presence for combatant commanders in support of the ongoing global war on terrorism. All three ships can operate independently or in conjunction with other maritime forces.

“We’ll be doing a wide variety of things. Basically we’ll be supporting the global war on terrorism. Whatever the CENTCOM (U.S. Central Command) requirements are for us, that’s what we’re going to do,” said Cmdr. Samuel Norton, USS Trenton commanding officer. “Trenton is a very versatile ship with a flight deck, well deck, and, of course, with the Sailors on board we can do almost anything.”

This “surge” deployment is designed to be flexible and will provide presence and strike power to support joint and allied forces afloat and ashore. Under the Fleet Response Plan, a simple realignment of schedules makes this deployment possible.

This is the first deployment for James E. Williams.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/c2f/.

[SandRat]

Galveston, Texas (Feb. 23, 2006) – The amphibious transport dock USS Trenton (LPD 14), is moored at Galveston’s Pier 21. Trenton and her crew were honored guests for Mardi Gras festivities during Navy Week Galveston. Twenty such weeks are planned this year in cities throughout the U.S., arranged by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO). NAVCO is a new unit tasked with enhancing the Navy's brand image in areas with limited exposure to the Navy. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Maria R. Escamilla (RELEASED)

[SandRat]

Sailing in Harms Way!

[Ronin]

I think there is going to be lots of sun and sand where they are going.

Bandar Abbas -- soon to be under new management.

[SENTINEL]

That will put them in the persian gulf in 10 to 14 days.

14+14= April 28th...Hmmmm.

[tankrlm]

Crew: Ship: 24 officers, 396 enlisted
Crew: Marine Detachment: approx. 900

“Trenton is a very versatile ship with a flight deck, well deck, and, of course, with the Sailors on board we can do almost anything.” (i think he meant...with Marines on board)

[ExcursionGuy84]

I fail to discern the meaning of the date you mentioned.

[bondjamesbond]

April 28, 2006 is the UN Security Council deadline for Iran to halt enrichment of Uranium.

[SENTINEL]

Maybe would have been easier if I had todays date correct.

[tanknetter]

“Trenton is a very versatile ship with a flight deck, well deck, and, of course, with the Sailors on board we can do almost anything.” (i think he meant...with Marines on board)

Or he could have meant SEALS. The Trenton's well-deck makes it a nice mothership for Mk.Vs ...

[Roverman2K]

God speed. Hue city eh, there is a war lost for us by the MSM. Do not let them do this to us ever again!

[SandRat]

Oh! Ya mean like this???

[arfan]

April 28th is a dark moon.

Hmmmmm.