USS Thach Lives up to Motto: "Ready and Able"
Navy NewStand
Story Number: NNS030506-29
Release Date: 5/6/2003 10:30:00 PM
By Lt. j.g. Michael Warner, USS Thach Public Affairs
ABOARD USS THACH, At Sea (NNS) -- From the time USS Thach (FFG 43) entered the Arabian Gulf to support Operation Enduring Freedom until the time it left, the ship and its crew have lived up to their motto: "Ready and Able."
Entering the Arabian Gulf Dec. 17, Thach immediately proved her crew was "ready and able" by performing Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) in support of U.N. sanctions against Iraq.
"Thach's role within the Constellation (CV 64) Carrier Strike Group has been varied, multimission and truly coalition building," said Cmdr. William Sheehan, the ship's former commanding officer. "From conducting Maritime Interception Operations in support of UNSCR (United Nations Security Council Resolution) 986 sanctions against Iraq, to maintaining watch as 'Comiskey Guard Ship' on violators of these sanctions, Thach has directly supported this mission in the Arabian Gulf."
Thach again proved her crew was "ready and able" during a port visit to Bahrain in early January to take part in coalition building in the form of an in port and underway "Sister Ship" exercise with the Royal Bahrain Naval Ship Sabha (the former USS Jack Williams (FFG 24)).
Following the interaction with the Bahraini Navy, Thach returned to MIO duties until early February.
During this time period, the ship was paid a visit by Adm. Robert Natter, commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, who came to meet with the crew and discuss coalition interoperability.
"I think it was a great thing for the admiral to come out, and let the junior Sailors know that what they are doing out here doesn't go unnoticed. This is not all for nothing. We are defending not only the United States, but the war for freedom around the world," said Chief Information Systems Technician (SW) Donald Hair, from Leland, N.C.
Following Natter's visit, Thach's crew was once again given the opportunity to prove they were 'Ready and Able,' by conducting escort duties for a large number of amphibious and logistics ships through the Straits of Hormuz.
In late February, Thach's crew carried out their new task of operating with the Qatar Emiri Navy for Exercise Eastern Sailor 03-2 during a port visit to Doha, Qatar. In addition to coalition building, this exercise provided good training opportunities between the two navies.
"This was a unique opportunity for our two cultures to interact and learn from each other. It also provided our crew with some much needed rest after several weeks out at sea," said Lt. j.g. Doug Lovejoy, from West Windsor, N.J.
While in Doha, Thach hosted a "10 Star" VIP Luncheon for the U.S. Ambassador to Qatar, the Honorable Maureen Quinn, and members of the Central Command Staff.
With the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Thach's crew met the task of performing shotgun and plane guard duties for Constellation.
While in lifeguard station behind Constellation, April 1, Thach responded to a man overboard on Constellation after a S-3B from VS-38 crashed into the water shortly after landing.
Thach's Search and Rescue (SAR) "Surface Rescue Crew of the Year" RHIB (rigid-hull inflatable boat) crew launched and was in position in minutes. The two pilots were subsequently rescued by an SH-60 helicopter from Constellation.
After performing escort and plane guard duties longer than originally planned, Thach's crew took on a new assignment of surface defense patrol.
While performing this new assignment, Thach observed the time-honored tradition of a change of command ceremony April 11. With Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group 1, Rear Adm. Barry Costello, and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 7, Capt. Mark Balmert in attendance, Cmdr. James T. Loeblein relieved Cmdr. William A. Sheehan.
The "Surface Rescue Crew of the Year" was again called into action April 14, when they safely evacuated a Sailor from a U.S. Navy submarine who was in need of medical attention.
After being brought aboard Thach and his condition stabilized by members of Thach's embarked SH-60B Helicopter Detachment from HSL-43, the Sailor was moved to Bahrain for further medical treatment.
After several months and several taskings, Thach's time in the Arabian Gulf came to an end April 17, after transiting out of the Gulf through the Straits of Hormuz.
"Now that the deployment is almost over, once again Thach accomplished her mission and lived up to her motto 'Ready and Able'," said Storekeeper 2nd (SW) Chester Gorriceta, from Los Angeles.
Thach under the command of Cmdr. James T. Loeblein, is currently on deployment with the Constellation Strike Group for the 2002-2003 deployment.
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