LCU Det 1632 Returns Home
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070610-02
Release Date: 6/10/2007 10:50:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea J. Kennedy, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Thirteen Sailors from Utility Landing Craft (LCU) Detachment (Det.) 1632 returned to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado after a nine-month deployment with the USS Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group May 30.
LCU Det. 1632 embarked aboard USS Dubuque (LPD 8) as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment. They participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Exercise Coconut Grove and maritime operations.
Exercise Coconut Grove was the first coalition country defense forces exercise with the island nation Republic of Maldives, which included medical civil action projects and dental civil action projects. The crew also gave lessons on amphibious operations and landing craft utility operations to Eastern and Western Indian Navy Fleet Commanders.
“It was very rewarding and educational working with people from other countries,” said Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW/CC) Frank Hagen. “I especially enjoyed working with and training the Indian naval personnel.”
The crew played an integral part of the offload of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and its more than 200 tons of combat equipment in Iraq. For their outstanding service toward the 15 MEU's mission, the unit was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal.
“I enjoyed being able to serve my country while helping others at the same time,” said Engineman Fireman (SW/AW) Ronald Gruden.
After the lengthy deployment the LCU Det. 1632 Sailors were glad to be home.
“Pulling in we saw the early morning may gray and the sun breaking threw the clouds, we knew we were back home in San Diego,” said Hagen.
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