Vicksburg, HSL-42 Detachment Five Returns From Arabian Gulf Deployment

During the course of its deployment, USS Vicksburg served as Air Defense Commander for the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group, Area Commander for Commander Task Force (CTF) 158 in the Northern Arabian Gulf, as well as supported the Coalition Presence and Security Operations in the Central Arabian Gulf. The ship hosted both the Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of Defense and conducted Maritime Security Operations in the region, earning a reputation as the "go to" ship for Fifth Fleet.

While underway the ship also experience a change in leadership. Capt. John C. Nygaard relieved Capt. Charles C. Swicker as commanding officer of Vicksburg during an underway ceremony in the Arabian Gulf.

Vicksburg enjoyed several great port visits throughout the deployment, including being the first U.S. Navy ship to visit La Spezia, Italy in more than three years.

During the six-day port visit, Sailors enjoyed trips to Florence, Genova, Pisa, and the local picturesque seaside villages, known as Cinque Terre. In addition to Italy, Vicksburg visited Souda Bay, Crete, where the crew enjoyed tours of ancient ruins and beautiful crystal clear beaches.

Interor Communications 2nd Class (SW) Jason Winnie is greeted by his wife, Angel and daughters, Elyse, 7, Chase, 11, and 9-month-old daughter, Hannah, after disembarking USS Vicksburg. Photo by Paige Gnann

While operating in the Arabian Gulf, Vicksburg visited Manama, Bahrain on four separate occasions and also benefited from a relaxing liberty visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE provided a fantastic opportunity to experience buggy tours through the desert, camel riding, sand-boarding, and unparalleled shopping in the largest malls outside of the United States.

Upon completion of its duties in the Arabian Gulf, Vicksburg made a quick stop in Salalah, Oman prior to transiting the Suez Canal. The crew took advantage of the small resort town and relaxed at one of the two five star resorts in the area.

Limassol, Cyprus and Valletta, Malta were the next stops for Vicksburg, as she voyaged across the Mediterranean Sea and the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). On both islands, the crew enjoyed exposure to unique blends of Mediterranean cultures, including New Year's celebrations in Cyprus.

Kanijah Artis, 4, and mom, Bennie, welcome home Chief Boatswain's Mate Demetrius Artis from deployment with USS Vicksburg. Photo by Paige Gnann

While ashore, regardless of locale or theater, Vicksburg Sailors demonstrated a high degree of professionalism as U.S. ambassadors, conducting the liberty mission flawlessly. Vicksburg traveled more than 31,500 miles and passed through several major choke points, including eight Strait of Hormuz transits.

While deployed to the 5th fleet AOR, Vicksburg was called on to perform a variety of missions.

In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Vicksburg served as the area commander for CTF 158 at the Al Basrah Oil Terminal, a vital structure in Iraq's improving economy.

On station, Vicksburg conducted 26 Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) evolutions, numerous security patrols, and conducted 76 small boat transfers, during a combined six-week period. Proudly exercising the AEGIS shield, Vicksburg also served as the Air Defense Commander for the Northern Arabian Gulf on multiple occasions.

In the Central Arabian Gulf, Vicksburg was involved in Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO sets the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counterterrorism and security efforts in regional nation's littoral waters.

Family members yell to their Sailors as USS Vicksburg pulls pierside on Friday. The ship hosted both the Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of Defense and conducted Maritime Security Operations in the region while on deployment. Photo by Paige Gnann

Coalition forces also conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters, fostering safe commercial shipping and fishing in the region.

Showing versatility, Vicksburg seamlessly integrated into the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Strike Group, relieving USS Gettysburg (CG 64) as Air Defense Commander and "shotgun" escort ship, allowing the Mayport-based Gettysburg some well deserved liberty ashore.

Vicksburg hosted many distinguished visitors (DVs) during its tenure in Fifth Fleet, culminating with visits by the Secretary of the Navy, Donald Winter and the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.

The crew worked successfully towards personal accomplishments, with more than 50 Sailors attaining their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) Pins.

Nearly 150 Sailors also received college credit for PACE courses offered throughout the deployment. Two Chief Petty Officers were inducted into the Chief Petty Officer's Mess and three Surface Warfare Officers also earned their pins while on deployment.

Crewmembers on board USS Vicksburg man the rails as they look for loved ones and wave as the ship pulls pierside on Friday after returning to Mayport's basin from an Arabian Gulf deployment. Photo by Paige Gnann

A total of 31 Sailors reenlisted, including seven from HSL-42 Detachment Five. Vicksburg also successfully completed two Unit Level Training Assessment - Sustainment (ULTRA-S) evolutions while transiting to and from homeport.

As a final feather in the cap before returning home, Vicksburg was tasked to assume duties as a Surface Action Group (SAG) commander for the returning ships in the Kearsarge Strike Group.

As the SAG Commander, Vicksburg was responsible for the safety and daily evolutions of four Norfolk-based warships: USS Porter, USS Carr, USS Ponce, and USS Gunston Hall. On the 10-day transit across the Atlantic, the group exercised the skills honed on deployment, along with actively evading the often unpredictable storms prevalent in the Atlantic during winter time to arrive home safely.