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Enterprise CSG Patrols 5th Fleet Waters

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031107-15

Release Date: 11/8/2003 7:25:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Richard Locklear, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- As the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) patrols 5th Fleet in support of the global war on terrorism, a vital part of its mission is Maritime Interception Operations (MIO). While patrolling the waters and performing a wide array of important missions, the Enterprise CSG, along with several coalition assets, are constantly on the lookout for illegal activities, ranging from the smuggling of oil and goods to the transfer of terrorists throughout the world.

"Our primary goal is to deny use of the seas for terrorist and smuggling activity," said Lt. Marc Polson, the intelligence officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 18. "Our biggest asset is perception. Using our actions to deter maritime trafficking is what we do on a day-to-day basis. If the terrorists and smugglers know that we are operating in local waters, they may be less likely to attempt such activity."

Polson also added that when the Enterprise CSG receives information indicating illegal or suspicious activity, the determination to launch a VBSS (Visit Board Search and Seizure) team is made. The team, comprised of anywhere between six to 24 Sailors, will then travel via RHIB [rigid hull inflatable boat] or helicopter from the ship to the target vessel.

"Our boarding teams leave their ship, heading into unknown territory," explains Polson. "They don't know what to expect, what the reaction of the target crew will be. Upon finding evidence of illegal activity, it is then up to the chain of command to determine the course of action. The team will then use their extensive training to handle the situation accordingly.

"Everybody in the entire Strike Group from the admiral down to the deckplates is involved [in the boarding process]," Polson explained. "It is, however, the junior Sailors that actually perform the boardings. They are the ones who perform the dangerous tasks, and the ones who deserve all the credit."

Currently operating with Enterprise (CVN 65) are USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), U.S. Coast Guard vessels, patrol boats and coalition assets. MIO operations are also being performed in other areas of the world by ships also assigned to COMDESRON 18. USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Nicholas (FFG 47) are operating in the Mediterranean, where they will soon be joined by USS Cole (DDG 67), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and the USS Thorn (DD 988).

With Enterprise CSG on patrol, no smuggler or terrorist is safe in 5th Fleet waters.