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VR-55 Supports Fleet, Maritime Security Operations in Persian Gulf

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050412-04
Release Date: 4/12/2005 12:20:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Auburn Hutton, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

BAHRAIN (NNS) -- Sailors from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 55 arrived in Manama, Bahrain, March 18 for a four-month deployment as part of their annual detachment cycle.

Bahrain is one of several locations to which the C-130T "Hercules" squadron regularly deploys in support of the Navy's logistics needs. Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Ginny Falsetti, VR-55 maintenance chief, said the squadron's mission is very dynamic.

"We provide worldwide fleet support 24/7. Anytime something needs to be delivered somewhere, we are ready to go," said Falsetti. "Sometimes it is sending mail out to the ships, other times it's Meals-Ready-to-Eat to the desert, toilet paper, Navy personnel or even security dogs. We get a phone call one minute, and then plans will change again the next minute."

While VR-55 is deployed to Bahrain, they aid the fleet in the Persian Gulf in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO is aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. Illicit activity at sea has a global impact. MSO pressurizes the maritime environment and is the single most significant component of the conventional maritime effort against terrorism.

Senior Chief Aviation Electrician Timothy J. Carr, the detachment's leading chief petty officer, said the squadron deploys about 10 months out of each year. They regularly deploy to Sigonella, Italy; Atsugi, Japan; and Manama, Bahrain. VR-55 rotates their time spent on detachment with three other C-130T squadrons.

"There is a C-130T squadron here year-round," said Carr. "Each of us takes turns accomplishing the same mission, which is in direct support of our ships in the Gulf and operations in Iraq."

One valuable member of the squadron is the detachment's leading petty officer, Storekeeper 1st Class Tasha Ratliff, whose job is to make sure all of the supplies are ordered and available so they can be delivered as needed.

"Basically, I locate supplies from throughout the world. If the airplane breaks down, I order the parts so we can continue the mission," said Ratliff. "I also order things like water, uniforms and anything else we may need."

Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Matt Moore, an aircraft maintainer for VR-55, said the whole maintenance crew has to work together to make sure the plane runs efficiently.

"We all help each other out when we're working on the plane," Moore explained. "We come in daily and check all the systems, make sure everything is working and help the plane captain out if we can. If something is broken, we fix it so we can proceed with the mission."

Once the aircraft takes off, the operations crew flies the plane to locations where supplies or cargo is needed.

"We are the ones who load the aircraft, determine the plane's weight and balance, handle passengers, and take care of any problems with security and hazardous materials," said one of VR-55's loadmasters, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Mark A. Beirich.

Although each member of VR-55 has a diverse job, each one contributes. Without every essential member's efforts, VR-55 wouldn't accomplish its mission.