Mine Warfare Ships Return After PANAMAX 06
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060921-05
Release Date: 9/21/2006 12:06:00 PM
By Ed Mickley, Commander, Mine Warfare Command Public Affairs
INGLESIDE, Texas (NNS) -- USS Heron (MHC 52) and USS Warrior (MCM 10) returned to Naval Station Ingleside Sept. 13, after five weeks of mine countermeasure operations during PANAMAX 06, an exercise off the coast of Panama designed to counter potential terrorist attacks against shipping or canal infrastructure.
The Panama Canal is a vital strategic waterway that carries 4 percent of world trade. It runs across the slender isthmus of Panama and connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, saving shippers costly time steaming around the tip of South America.
“We worked hard, did our job well, and returned with everything we left with,” Heron 'Crew Endurance' Commanding Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Carlson said. “The crew did an excellent job taking care of the ship, overcoming problems and getting us back home.”
Heron and Warrior wives, fiancés, sons and daughters were on the pier long before the ships came into view. Some holding signs, some holding balloons, but all were very anxious about the return of their loved ones.
“It’s exciting seeing our husbands come home. I can’t wait to see my guy,” said the wife of a chief returning with the ships. Moments later she ran to the brow waiting for her husband to disembark.
“It’s my birthday, this is a great present!” stated the wife of another crewmember.
After the Heron docked and was secure, Carlson, held a brief award ceremony for several of the Sailors who, though part of the team, performed above and beyond the call, making sure the ship was operational.
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