Posted on 05/16/2006 4:22:12 PM PDT by SandRat
PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- USS Ogden (LPD 5), the Navys oldest active amphibious ship, is currently serving as the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) for the multinational maritime coalition operating in the North Persian Gulf.
As the AFSB for Commander, Task Group (CTG) 158.1, the 41-year-old amphibious transport dock is providing logistical support for the various forces that are protecting Iraqs territorial waters and oil platforms, as well as serving as a training platform for Iraqi sailors and marines.
The crew is having a wonderful time, said Cmdr. James Hruska, Ogdens commanding officer. Everyone understands the importance of keeping these waters safe and the global trade moving through this area.
On the bridge, Ogden Sailors work and stand watches alongside Iraqi naval officers. The officers are serving as a liaison for planning and communicating with Iraqs five Predator-class patrol boats that come alongside Ogden for fuel, food, and crew training.
With about two weeks on station, the Ogden watchstanders say the training and experience have been working out well.
Theres a little bit of a learning curve, said Lt. Micah Brewer, but they seem to be well integrated, and they are really eager and willing to learn the procedures to defend the oil platforms. This is their territory and their economy. Their livelihood is in the oil platforms, and they want to be a part of the protection there.
When the Iraqis are not standing watches, they are training. Ogdens Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) coordinator said that the Ogden crew is one of the finest he has ever served with and a great example for the Iraqis aboard.
Were providing a good service for the Iraqis, and this will help get them back on their feet, said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) James Strickell. Were showing them how the U.S. Navy trains and operates; we're giving them something to base their Navy off of.
Ogdens crew members say they are very happy to play an active role in the shaping of the Iraqi navy, as well as participate in the multinational coalition that is protecting the cornerstone of Iraqs economy.
Thats what were here for, said Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) Gary Wise. Its good for our guys on their first Western Pacific [deployment]. Theyll look back and be able to say, I actually helped protect that. I actually helped Iraq get the money they need for their future.
Commissioned in 1965, Ogden will decommission in early 2007. While on her final deployment, Ogden and other Navy and coalition ships will continue to help the Iraqis protect the region.
Ogden, as a part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, is deployed in support of maritime security operations (MSO) in the North Persian Gulf. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations.
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/.
GATOR Navy PING!
My bro-in-law deployed on the Ogden at the end of Desert Storm.
Here in Seattle we have a tourist attraction called "Ride The Duck." http://www.ridetheducks.com/
The amphibs they use are based on the WWII DUKW design.
That's what Mayor Nutty Nagin should have had in N.O. to evacuate the folks from the hurricane flooded areas; a whole battalion of them.
They did use them in N.O.
Go to this link and read the last paragraph.
http://www.ridetheducks.com/about/equipment.asp
It was probably some time before they could get them down there.
ping
1/1 CAV, Americal DIV, USS OGDEN Operation "Bold Mariner", RVN, FEB69 bump!
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.