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NCWRON 5 Returns from Iraq

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071105-03
Release Date: 11/5/2007 2:34:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose Lopez Jr., Naval Reserve Fleet Public Affairs, Center San Diego

NAVAL BASE CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron (NCWRON) 5 returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island from a six-month deployment to the Middle East Nov. 3 to cheers, tears and hugs from their loved ones.

Approximately 300 members of the unit arrived via charter aircraft from Kuwait Naval Base, where they served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom standing watch in the shallow waters of Iraq.

"There were a lot of eight-hour watches," said Chief Gunner's Mate (EXW/SW/AW) Ryan W. Murray about the unit's mission in the littoral region of the Persian Gulf. "We did a lot of ship escorts, we dealt a lot with the locals, I mean we were the entrance into Iraq. The guys knew their job and kept their spirits high."

Most of the personnel that went on the deployment left family members behind to meet their mission. It was six months of phone communication for many. So it is no wonder family members waited with anticipation at three in the morning to see their loved ones.

"The last six months have made me realize how important my fiance is to me," said Rebecca Morejen, who waited with her dog Shelby at the NAS North Island air terminal. "We spoke every day, but that doesn't compare to talking face-to-face."

The squadron performed various duties while stationed in Kuwait. These included maritime force protection, harbor defense, seaward security and pier security operations to support the global war on terrorism.

The squadron is the first active-duty unit of its kind since the Vietnam War. Four decades ago, the Navy coastal units served in the Mekong Delta. Though the mission is similar, this time around the unit is tasked with protecting harbors from terrorist attacks in shallow waters.

"These units are set up to go on deployment instantly," said Lt. Mark E. Franzen, officer in charge of Inshore Boat Unit 53, also assigned to NCWRON 5. "Previously these units were in [the] reserves. However, with the active units, there is no set up time. They are called and can deploy quickly."

Naval Coastal Warfare is part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders. NECC serves as a single functional command to centrally manage the current and future readiness, resources, manning, training, and equipping of the Navy Expeditionary Force.