USS Oak Hill Celebrates An Underway Easter
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060417-02
Release Date: 4/17/2006 6:45:00 PM
By Ensign Dave Nobles, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
ABOARD USS OAK HILL, At Sea (NNS) -- As the sun rose over the Indian Ocean, USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) was afforded a chance to celebrate Easter while deployed conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the area.
After the sunrise and a visit from an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter from USS Port Royal (CG 73), Oak Hill began her Easter celebration with divine services on the ship’s mess decks.
The dock landing ship then hosted a “steel beach picnic” for her crew, complete with homestyle barbeque, swim call, live music and many events sponsored by her Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee.
The crew was pleased to receive a day of rest after more than one month out to sea
“Actually having the day off was nice,” said Electronics Technicians Mate 1st class (SW) Dallas Stoneburner. “It was good to get a break to recharge the batteries. And, it was the first time in 12 years I’d done a swim call.”
Cmdr. Ray Stapf, Oak Hill’s commanding officer, shared Stoneburner’s sentiment.
“It’s important for these warriors to be able to take a little time off and enjoy themselves,” said Stapf. “The best we can do out here is try to give them a little piece of home.”
Oak Hill deployed in late January and is currently conducting MSO as part of the Dutch-led Coalition Task Force (CTF) 150. CTF 150 operates in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.
MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. MSO complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
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