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Gonzalez Sailors Assist Stranded Iranian Mariners

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060301-15
3/1/2006

By Lt. j.g. Jason Gutierrez, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS GONZALEZ (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), currently deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of maritime security operations (MSO), rescued six Iranian mariners Feb. 28 after they had been adrift for 10 days.

Gonzalez’s bridge team first spotted the crippled dhow while conducting MSO in the Central Persian Gulf. Once the destroyer’s watchstanders identified the distressed vessel, the ship immediately changed its course to render assistance. The Iranians explained that their dhow’s engine and rudder failed Feb. 8.

“Patrolling warships are sometimes called on for humanitarian interventions,” said Cmdr. Robert D. Randall, the ship’s commanding officer.

Combined Forces Maritime Component assets, like Gonzalez, are flexible enough to continue the MSO mission while providing assistance to mariners in distress. Naval assets conducting coalition MSO have a longstanding tradition of providing medical assistance, engineering assistance, and search and rescue.

Gonzalez’s boarding party gave the Iranian crew food and water as they had exhausted their supplies during the 10 days adrift. In addition, the U.S. Sailors inspected the dhow’s engineering plant and determined the engine was beyond repair. Gonzalez then coordinated the mariners’ repatriation with other members of the coalition conducting MSO in the area and the Iranian authorities.

“It felt good to assist,” said Randall.

The crew of the Norfolk-based warship deployed to the Middle East as part of the Sea Swap program in February to conduct MSO and support Operation Enduring Freedom. Maritime security operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny the illegal use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.