Gettysburg Returns From Arabian Gulf

Gettysburg was deployed with the USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group as the Air Defense Commander. During its deployment, Gettysburg supported Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and conducted Maritime Security Operations in the region. Additionally, Gettysburg Sailors enjoyed duty ashore in European and Middle Eastern countries, including Malta, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

During many of the port visits, Gettysburg also conducted community relations and outreach projects in the local neighborhoods. Finally, throughout the deployment, many Gettysburg Sailors achieved important goals and milestones in their careers; many junior Sailors earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification.

Gettysburg had numerous different missions and conducted various operations throughout its deployment. However, its primary responsibilities were as Air Defense Commander for the strike group and the "shotgun" cruiser for the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, which frequently launched aircraft in support of ongoing operations in Iraq.

Between July and October, Gettysburg conducted these operations for 71 consecutive days at sea. In its role as Air Defense Commander, Gettysburg was responsible for protecting all Strike Group and coalition assets from all types of airborne threats. Additionally, as the "shotgun" cruiser, Gettysburg always remained in close proximity to Enterprise, facilitating uninterrupted air operations and providing protection against the full spectrum of threats to the carrier.

Seaman Walter Robbins is welcomed back to NS Mayport with a kiss on the cheek during USS Gettysburg's homecoming. Photo by MC2 Brain Smarr

"As Air Defense Commander, we basically served as Enterprise's protector," Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Ronnie Stevens said. "Where [Enterprise] went, we went. And we were monitoring all aircraft in the sky, making sure that she could carry out its missions in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom."

While Gettysburg was in the Arabian Gulf, she also conducted approach operations with regional fishermen and merchants. During these interactions, Gettysburg aimed to deter illegal acts of piracy, to foster constructive relationships with the locals, and to communicate the shared goals of stability and security throughout the region.

Gettysburg's senior Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Boarding Officer, Lt. Todd Lunsford said, "Our purpose during the approach operations was basically to build a Neighborhood Watch organization and to let the local fishermen know what our purpose was over thereto ensure maritime security and prosperity in the Gulf."

Gettysburg conducted multiple choke point transits, including the Strait of Gibralter, the Suez Canal, the Bab El Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz. These complex operations required intense navigational planning and seemingly endless maintenance and upkeep of the combat and engineering systems.

Despite the arduous nature of its deployment, Gettysburg's engineers and combat technicians managed to keep the ship free of casualties and combat ready.

During their deployment, Gettysburg Sailors were privileged to pull into five different ports in the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf. However, during these port visits, the time spent off-ship was considered "duty ashore" in an effort to highlight the strategic imperative of building cooperative relationships throughout the world. During many of these port calls, Gettysburg Sailors participated in community relations and outreach projects.

In July, Gettysburg pulled into Malaga, Spain for a five-day port visit. While in Malaga, many Sailors volunteered at the Cudeca cancer hospice center, visiting with the patients and conducting general lawn and building maintenance.

Also, Gettysburg held an official luncheon for many local military and civil officials in the ship's Wardroom. After getting underway from Malaga, Spain, Gettysburg spent 71 consecutive days at sea before pulling into port again.

Gettysburg Sailors' next opportunity for duty ashore came when they arrived at Port Rashid in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Oct. 4.

Gettysburg held two more port visits in the Arabian Gulf after Dubai, visiting Manama, Bahrain in mid-October for four days and Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates in mid-November for four days.

Throughout their time in the Gulf, Gettysburg's Religious Ministry Department organized multiple outreach projects, serving the Smith Gate Clinic, a pediatric burn clinic located outside of Baghdad, Iraq and the Sulzbacher Center, a homeless shelter in Jacksonville, Fla.

Gettysburg Sailors served these organizations by gathering and sending them various products that they desperately needed.

From Dec. 4-6 - during its return to homeport transit -Gettysburg was stopped at Valletta, Malta. During their stay, Sailors volunteered at the Sacred Heart Home, a shelter for battered women, and the Park of Friendship, a leisure park for people with disabilities. Sailors cleaned, painted, and did general maintenance and beautification during both community outreach events.

Lt. Rita Love, Gettysburg's Command Chaplain, commented that the Sailors were more than just great volunteers, they were great ambassadors for their Navy and their country.

"It is humbling to witness these Sailors help a charity in a foreign country, especially considering the demands of their job while deployed," she said. "Sometimes, they just don't realize the impact that community relations projects have on the international relations with the United States. They reinforce the ideal of American good will and build trust throughout the region."

Throughout Gettysburg's deployment, many Sailors reached major milestones in their naval careers. Forty Sailors advanced to the next higher pay grade during the fall advancement cycle; six Sailors were selected to be Chief Petty Officers; 41 Sailors reenlisted (including two from the HSL embarked detachment); 42 Sailors earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin, including 25 E-4 or below; and 85 Sailors earned college credit during one of the many PACE courses offered.

Additionally, on Nov. 7, Gettysburg's Commanding Officer, Capt. Bill McQuilkin was relieved by Captain Rich Brown in a regularly scheduled change of command ceremony held at sea.

Gettysburg's Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Loretta Glenn remarked on the impressive accomplishments of the entire crew.

"The crew performed an outstanding job everyday with honor to preserve our cherished freedom and charged through a highly demanding Gulf deployment while attaining all projected goals, inspections and achievements. I am proud to have served and sailed with this crew," Glenn said.