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USS Grapple Returns to Norfolk

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030610-23

Release Date: 6/10/2003 10:33:00 AM

By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 100 Sailors aboard the rescue and salvage ship USS Grapple (ARS 53) will return to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek from Operation Iraqi Freedom June 24.

The dedicated efforts of Grapple's crew significantly contributed to coalition successes in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Quickly bringing unique capabilities to the operation, the ship supported dive and salvage requirements in the northern Arabian Gulf. Of note, the crew's repatriation of the Iraqi tug Jamhoria to Umm Qasr significantly contributed to the restoration of the vital Iraqi port infrastructure necessary to support urgently needed humanitarian aid shipments.

Grapple deployed from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Feb. 18. Grapple's primary missions are to provide heavy lift capability from ocean depths, assist beached vessels, offer towing of other vessels, and perform manned diving operations. Grapple is part of Commander Logistics Squadron 2.