Military

Gettysburg's Versatility Enhances Regional Maritime Security Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070923-11
Release Date: 9/23/2007 9:52:00 PM

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs and USS Gettysburg Public Affairs

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, is operating in the Central Command area of responsibility providing air surveillance and conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) with coalition forces.

"Our main focus out here is to help maintain stability and security in the region," said Lt. Kim Bynum, Gettysburg's air defense liaison officer. "Through our presence and surveillance capabilities, we're helping to ensure regional commerce can take place safely whether that's fishing, shipping or flying goods regionally."

Gettysburg's SPY-1D radar is able to track contacts on the sea and in the air many miles out. The ship is an information hub, Bynum said. With the help of other Strike Group and coalition assets in the area, Gettysburg is able to maintain situational awareness throughout the region and share that information with coalition forces.

Bynum is quick to point out that Gettysburg's presence also helps deter illegal activity at sea. Regional mariners know that they are safer when a coalition ship is patrolling close by, she said. Through interaction patrols and visit, board, search and seizure teams by coalition assets they visit fishing and merchant vessels to help generate support and awareness of the coalition's efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

"With Gettysburg doing its job, merchants and fishermen can feel more safe and secure," Bynum said. "We're here to be a part of that."

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.