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USS Grasp Returns to Little Creek

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS030502-25
Release Date: 5/2/2003 4:18:00 PM

By Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Little Creek,Va.-based Rescue and Salvage ship USS Grasp (ARS 51) returned home May 2 after a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean.

The ship left in October and for the majority of the deployment, provided force protection through piers and hull sweeps for incoming U.S. vessels in Augusta Bay, Sicily. Toward the end of the deployment, Grasp assisted minesweepers in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship was able to provide a dive chamber for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal divers from the minesweepers.

Grasp was constructed for the U.S. Navy to replace an aging class of rescue and salvage vessels, and upgrade mission essential equipment and systems. Rescue and salvage ships render assistance to disabled ships, provide towing, salvage, diving, firefighting and heavy lift capabilities.