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Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4 Returns

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081215-08
Release Date: 12/15/2008 3:49:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist(SW/AW) Katrin Albritton, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

NORFOLK, VA (NNS) -- Nearly 220 Sailors from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4 returned home Dec. 15 to the Naval Station Norfolk Air Mobility Command terminal after completing a seven-month deployment.

While deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, the squadron's primary mission was to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf and help provide security for Iraq's two oil platforms as well as U.S. and Coalition ships in the region.

MSO helps maintain security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seeks to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack, or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

During its deployment, the squadron completed more than 880 missions, provided security for more than 450 ship movements in and out of port, and logged more than 25,000 hours of patrol time.

CMDCM(SW/AW) Dwayne Reese, MSRON 4 command master chief, said that while he was thrilled each of his Sailors came home safely, the fact they made it home for the holidays was a special treat.

"It certainly warms my heart, and I've been doing this for over 25 years," Reese said. "That really means a lot to us and the Sailors to see their families. That really is a true testament that you are home."

MSRON 4, commanded by Cmdr. Christopher Zayatz, was relieved by MSRON 1 earlier this month. He said their mission of escorting high value assets in Kuwait, and conducting security on oil platforms in Iraq, is an important and necessary one for the future.

"As long as there is a mission out there, we're going to do it," Zayatz said. "We have to make sure those high value assets, and soldiers and equipment are protected."

The Navy's Maritime Expeditionary Security force is part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, a global force provider of expeditionary capabilities to joint warfighting commanders.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/necc.