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USS The Sullivans Contributes to Global War on Terrorism

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041216-08
Release Date: 12/16/2004 1:46:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS THE SULLIVANS, At Sea (NNS) -- The crew of USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) returned to sea Dec. 13 after a six-day port visit to Oman.

The guided-missile destroyer is deployed to the Gulf of Oman under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 150, to support coalition efforts in the global war on terrorism (GWOT).

Currently operating with ships from France, Italy, Germany, Pakistan and the United Kingdom, The Sullivans assists with patrolling more than 2.4 million square miles of ocean and 6,000 miles of coastline bordering 12 countries.

"We're engaged in a deployment that is part of a coalition effort to promote economic stability in the region, focused on intercepting international terrorist organizations (ITOs) who would potentially target key maritime industries and infrastructures," said The Sullivans Commanding Officer Cmdr. Wade Wilkenson. "Our goal is to intercept those ITOs through Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) and through gathering as much information about the region as we possibly can."

The Sullivans has two teams of Sailors who conduct the MIO visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) missions.

"Instead of looking just for smuggled oil or weapons, our role is to look for intelligence and information, so the job is somewhat different than it has been before," said Ensign Dan Klingshirn, The Sullivans' communications officer.

Presently, operations are typically conducted on small dhows.

"We drive up to the dhow, look at their papers, talk to the crew and ask questions," said Lt. Josh Wolf, assistant combat systems officer and boarding team officer. "We also give out questionnaires to see how they perceive us. We don't want them thinking we're the bad guys."

The teams gather information about the fishermen's observations and inquire about potential terrorist activity in the region. They also support the fishermen with small care packages of food, writing materials and The Sullivans ball caps.

The most recent VBSS conducted by The Sullivans took place more than a month ago when the ship stopped a vessel for flag verification.

"Under CTF-150's guidance, the presence of coalition ships has made a strong impact on ITO use of this area. I feel The Sullivans, in particular, has done an outstanding job in supporting that effort," said Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Wyatt Chidester. "We have a very large area to cover, but we're doing our best. The crew is dedicated to the mission and understands their role in the global war on terrorism."

Since transiting the Suez Canal Nov. 3 to operate with CTF 150, The Sullivans has conducted 17 MIO boardings. It has also assisted in four rescue and assistance operations for distressed vessels in the region.

CTF 150 is a key element of the U.S. 5th Fleet's contribution to the campaign against international terrorism, conducting MIO in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in international waters throughout the region.