Commander, Task Force 51 Visits Saipan: "A Great Ship with a Great Track Record"
Navy Newstand
Story Number: NNS030423-13
Release Date: 4/23/2003 3:30:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class Abigail Krueger, USS Saipan Pulbic Affairs
ABOARD USS SAIPAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Rear Adm. W. Clyde Marsh, Commander Task Force 51, paid a much-anticipated visit to USS Saipan (LHA 2) April 18, addressing in the hangar bay what he called the biggest crowd on any of the ships he's visited. The crew aboard Saipan had been awaiting his visit, eager to receive news of what the future had in store for them.
After presenting several awards, Marsh got right down to business. "It's a pleasure to be here. You have a great ship with a great track record," he said, commending the crew.
Often the first ship to answer the call, Saipan has been steaming non-stop on station in the Arabian Gulf since early February.
"We're taking care of business," Marsh said. "This is the largest amphibious force we've put together since World War II, and you are part of that tremendous fighting force.
"Congratulations on a job well done. I can tell you that we won, and the regime is history. The Marine Corps team you put ashore did their part in the fight, while you've supported combat operations from sea," he added.
Marsh spoke of the pride Vice Adm. Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, expressed when he was able to report to the President of the United States on the day Operation Iraqi Freedom began that the Navy and Marine Corps team were ready to go.
"In fact, we were the only ones able to say that at the time," Marsh noted.
"We are writing history out here, and I think we've amazed everyone. Among our 21 amphibious ships, we have helicopter carriers, harrier carriers and several large decks doing the traditional mix. We've done mine countermeasure operations and played an ammunitions role for mine clearing. We've supported environmental efforts. . . all this while staying ready to handle any medical casualties," he said. "We had all our bases covered."
Marsh also spoke of the relentless work everyone put into the effort. "We realize the sacrifices you all have made and the hard work you all have done," he explained. "We really had you jumping through hoops, but it was necessary because we had to fight a war. And you were ready to fight."
As Marsh went on to speak about Saipan's Marine element, most of whom are still ashore, CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters could be heard touching down on the flight deck two levels above, bringing back some of the first Marine troops. "We sail together, we fight together and we will go home together," he said.
"I don't know exactly when you will go home," Marsh added, "But as the Marines finish mopping up and are able to turnover to the Army, we'll bring them back and cut you loose as soon as we possibly can."
Saipan has not seen a port since their departure from Norfolk, Va., in early January. Marsh told the crew he hoped their unscheduled deployment would last no more than six months, saying he would like to offer a port visit on the return trip, but might be willing to let Saipan skip ports to steam directly back home. A large cheer rang through the crowd.
"We did everything right. We did it expeditiously," Marsh said proudly. "You have done your jobs perfectly, and you've helped liberate the people of Iraq. You can be proud of that. No one could have done it better."
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