Posted on 08/17/2006 6:05:14 PM PDT by SandRat
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 17, after an 18-month deployment under the Atlantic Fleet’s Sea Swap initiative.
The crew that returned to Norfolk assumed command of the ship Feb. 22, and successfully completed a deployment to the Persian Gulf, Horn of Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
While deployed, Gonzalez was tasked with assisting non-combatant evacuation efforts in Lebanon. The ship was the first U.S. Navy vessel to arrive in support of the evacuation efforts.
“We’re an air defense platform and that is our job; we provided air defense for the ferries and the amphibious ships that were evacuating the American citizens,” said Cmdr. Robert D. Randall, commanding officer of Gonzalez. “We did about seven escorts; roughly 14,000 Americans got out.”
“It turned out to be a very good mission for us. We have trained for things like this in the past, so the crew responded superbly,” added Randall.
The crew also encountered a surface engagement with three suspected pirate vessels while conducting maritime operations off the coast of Somalia.
“We had one close incident with Somali pirates and there were no casualities on our side, and we captured 12 of the suspected pirates,” said Sonar Technician 3rd class (SS) Kevin Courtney. “It just showed how our training pays off. I’m happy to be back here in Norfolk.”
“We always train for these kinds of events, but you’re not expecting it when it actually happens. Again, these Sailors responded the way they were trained, very professional about it,” said Randall.
“Once we neutralized the suspected pirates, Sailors immediately went into the role of rescuing survivors,” he added. “I think that says a lot about the U.S. Navy Sailor and their compassion for those that are no longer a threat.”
Gonzalez’s crew also assisted six Iranian mariners while in the Persian Gulf. The mariners had been adrift for 10 days and their vessel had been experiencing engine and rudder problems. Gonzalez’s crew provided the Iranian crew with food and water for three days.
“These Sailors train hard; they worked hard and fought hard, exactly the way they were trained. I can’t expect any more out of a Sailor,” said Randall. “They made me and the Navy proud and it’s great to bring them home to their families.”
WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!
Woohoo! Fair winds and following seas.
Welcome home! And much thanks from one that you helped to get home from Beirut.
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.