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Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Visits Enterprise Crew

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061026-12
Release Date: 10/26/2006 10:53:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jill Lynn Broecher, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet, visited Sailors and Marines aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Oct. 24 to thank the crew for their work in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Enduring Freedom (OEF) and maritime security operations.

Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 conducted combat operations, providing close air support to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops and other coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan, since returning to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in early September. Since their arrival in the region, Enterprise-based aircraft have expended more than 120 precision weapons against Taliban extremists in Afghanistan.

Enterprise Strike Group has also been conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the region. MSO 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. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

“Your time on station has been significant and successful,” said Walsh. “You played a key role in one of the monumental moments in our country’s history. Your responsibility, reach and influence will have lasting affects on generations to come.”

Walsh greeted several crew members as he toured the ship, handing out phone cards and command coins as an appreciation of his gratitude. He praised Sailors and Marines not only for their hard work and dedication, but also for being vital to security and stability in the region.

“Your professionalism is a direct reflection of who we are and what we stand for,” said Walsh. “None of our success would have been possible without the great teamwork each of you adds.”

“No one else has the credibility you have to talk about what is going on out here,” Walsh added. “I want you to tell people about what is going on here – I want people to appreciate what you do and the important role that you play.”

During his visit, Walsh presented Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman (AW) Joshua Allen with a Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his remarkable flight deck safety awareness; and Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Manetzke and Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW/AW) Kenneth Reed with Navy Commendation Medals for guiding Enterprise through a successful 3M assessment.

Walsh summed up the importance of Enterprise and CVW-1’s current deployment and where the Enterprise name stands in the history of American naval operations.

“Take pride in what you’ve done during this deployment,” said Walsh. “You’ve proved once again that Enterprise is the first and the finest of America’s carrier fleet.”

Enterprise and embarked CVW-1 departed their of homeport Norfolk, Va., in May 2006 for a scheduled six-month deployment.