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Second Fleet Commander Praises PC Crews during NAVCENT Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081216-06
Release Date: 12/16/2008 12:24:00 PM

By Second Fleet Public Affairs

BAHRAIN (NNS) -- During his visit to the U. S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Area of Operations (AOO) Nov. 21-26, Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, Vice Adm. Mel Williams Jr., gave praise to the patrol craft crews of Commander Task Force (CTF) 55 during a brief stop to USS Chinook (PC 9) and USS Typhoon (PC 5) pierside in Bahrain.

Chinook and Typhoon are two of five U.S. Navy patrol craft belonging to Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), which reports to CTF 55, the task force responsible for Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in the NAVCENT AOO.

"Our patrol craft are performing remarkably in the North Arabian Gulf," said Williams. "As the PC crews train and deploy from Little Creek, Va., they arrive in theater fully ready to help the Iraqi Navy to protect critical offshore infrastructure."

CTF 55 conducts MSO by providing ready naval forces to help deter destabilizing activities, conduct mine countermeasures training and operations, and defend regional maritime infrastructure.

"I am quite proud of our patrol craft Sailors, who spend a high percentage of their six month deployment period at sea in a combat zone with few benefits of comfort," said Williams. "They are hard working and dedicated. It was a privilege for me to go aboard their ships in Bahrain to say thank you."

Following his visit, Sailors from the PCs said they valued how the Admiral's visit, especially right before the Thanksgiving holiday.

"I appreciate his interest in our mission," said Damage Controlman First Class William Johnston.

"I was very glad to get a chance to discuss one on one with Vice Adm. Williams about some of the concerns we face as deployed PC crews," said Lt. M. Kathryn Devine, Commanding officer of Chinook. "His genuine interest in the well-being of our Sailors was clear to the entire crew."

In addition to the PCs, Williams also visited the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), the guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Nitze (DDG 94), all homeported in Norfolk, Va.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c2f/.