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Secretary of The Navy Visits Howard

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070111-03
Release Date: 1/11/2007 2:10:00 PM

By Ensign Kevin Heilenday and Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Martin, Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS HOWARD, At sea (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Donald C. Winter visited USS Howard (DDG 83) Nov. 24 to meet with Sailors and Marines conducting maritime security operations (MSO) while operating the Persian Gulf.

The trip is the second time that Winter has visited the area since assuming the role of SECNAV Jan. 3, 2006. Winter briefly met with Howard’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jim Morgan and then toured the ship to express his gratitude to its Sailors and Marines.

He applauded the crew’s hard work in carrying out their mission.

“This is a tremendous job you are all doing over here,” he said. “I appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Howard has been conducting Oil Platform Defense of the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) and the Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) in the North Arabian Gulf since arriving in early November.

“Deployments are never easy for the crew or their families and friends, especially during the holidays,” said Morgan. “But it means everything to have our leaders come so far to confirm what we already know, that what we’re doing makes a difference and how much support we have back home.”

During his tour of the ship he spoke one-on-one with Sailors to tell them that their nation is grateful for their service away from home during the Thanksgiving holiday.

“It was refreshing to see someone in a top leadership role take the time to let us know that we’re appreciated for our services,” said Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Joshua Breitag. “It was a great honor to meet him.”

Howard, a member of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), is currently operating in the Arabian Gulf conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in support of U.S. 5th Fleet. 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.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.