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USS Normandy Becomes CTF 58 Flagship

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050609-03
Release Date: 6/9/2005 2:08:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class Joseph Ebalo, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS NORMANDY (NNS) -- Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Commodore Steve Gilmore, commander, Task Force (CTF) 58, transferred his flag and his crew of 15 RAN Sailors from USS Antietam (CG 54) to USS Normandy (CG 60) June 5.

Normandy most recently served as a part of the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Strike Group and assisted in the rescue of 89 Somali refugees in the Gulf of Aden. Normandy’s transition to the CTF 58 flagship
brings increased capabilities and a fresh crew of Sailors to assume responsibility of the region.

In preparation for its new role, Normandy underwent a two-month training program at its homeport in Norfolk, Va., and completed a 10-day turnover period with the CTF 58 staff.

Each day, U.S. Sailors aboard the new flagship are becoming more and more familiar with their new teammates, new environment and new mission.

“Our transition is going really well, we are adjusting to the weather and water conditions in the region, and we are learning a lot from our Australian shipmates,” said Capt. Stephen Hampton, commanding officer of Normandy. “Our mission here as CTF 58 flagship is to protect the Iraqi oil terminals and to conduct maritime security operations, ensuring the safety and security of theses waters.”

Antietam was the first U.S. Navy cruiser to operate as a task force flagship for a permanently embarked coalition commander.

"During its time here, Antietam has distinguished itself by providing outstanding service and support for CTF 58 and multinational naval forces in the North [Persian] Gulf,” said Gilmore. “I am greatly anticipating our continuing relationship with the U.S. Navy aboard our new flagship.”

Gilmore, who is responsible for coalition maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf, was the first Australian coalition commander to lead a combined task group in operations since World War II.

MSO sets the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other illegal material.