USS Hué City Is Back In Town!

Hué City deployed as Air Defense Commander for the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group operating with USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 3, USS San Jacinto, COMDESRON 26, USS Carney, USS Oscar Austin, USS Winston S Churchill, HMCS Charlottetown, HMS Manchester, and USNS Arctic. She spent 212 days on deployment, 190 of which were spent at sea.

After departing home port and crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Hué City proceeded east to Italian waters and participated in an Air and Sea Power Demonstration for Italian dignitaries. Crewmembers and Italian dignitaries witnessed a first rate air show put on by CVW-3, as well as a sea power demo displaying Hué City's gunnery prowess. Hué City simultaneously fired both 5 inch gun mounts, shooting 10 rounds of ammunition from each mount. Before leaving the Mediterranean, Hué City Sailors had a unique opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving in Naples, Italy. While in Italy, Sailors were able to take historic tours of Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, and Mount Vesuvius. Seventeen Hué City crewmembers assisted the Sisters of the Benedictine Monastery in the mountains west of Naples, clearing brush, harvesting olives and lending a helping hand where needed.

USS Hué City left Italy transiting east towards the Suez Canal and eventually into the Arabian Gulf. As Air Defense Commander for Harry S. Truman CSG, USS Hué City was responsible for identifying and tracking all aircraft in the Fifth Fleet Area of Operations. Additionally, Hué City was responsible for controlling and tracking aircraft of Carrier Air Wing Three who conducted 10,000 flight hours, including combat sorties over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, combat air patrol missions and logistical support missions. Hué City served as shotgun for Harry S. Truman, defending the Carrier from any possible air or surface threats. Hué City was also responsible for directing Digital Data and Satellite Link Operations for up to 14 surface ships and multiple Strike Group and Joint Service aircraft providing communication and information sharing for all U.S. and coalition forces.

In the month of December, Hué City conducted presence ops in the Arabian Gulf, where it tracked and reported countless vessels, increasing maritime situational awareness. Additionally, Hué City rescued 6 distressed Pakistani mariners from a sinking dhow, returning them to safety before pulling into port in Manama, Bahrain on Christmas Eve. Hu City's superb MWR committee organized a Christmas Party where the crew celebrated the Holiday season. Several lucky crewmembers won prizes raffled off during the night. Many Hué City Sailors took advantage of Bahrain's several high end spa treatment tours, taking in some well earned rest and relaxation.

During January, Hué City assisted in rescuing three aviators from two downed F/A-18 aircraft, recovering the "black boxes" and other parts of the aircraft wreckage assisting the investigation team to learn the cause of the midair collision. Hué City then participated in an Expeditionary Strike Force (ESF) with Truman and Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group, serving as Air Defense Commander for the ESF. In late January, Hué City performed escort duties for the oceanographic ship USNS Pathfinder, ensuring their safety and freedom of navigation in the Central Arabian Gulf.

In early February, Hué City made another port visit to Manama, Bahrain, where Sailors enjoyed the Super Bowl at Naval Station Bahrain's Freedom Dome. Shortly thereafter, Hué City participated in Oil Platform Defense in the Northern Arabian Gulf near the Khor Al Amaya Oil Terminal and Al Basra Oil Terminal, which provide approximately 90 percent of Iraq's Gross National Product. After patrolling the North Arabian Gulf waters, Hué City conducted a port visit to Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates 10-13 March. The crew took advantage of memorable tours such as safari day trips, dhow dinner cruises, sunset safaris, and the Dubai city tour. Several crewmembers gave their time while in Dubai, volunteering at the Dubai Autism Center and Riding for the Disabled. Sailors led horses while the children rode, and assisted in painting and other general repair.

Finally, Hué City began its month long journey home, transiting the Suez Canal and entering the Mediterranean, enjoying a port visit in Haifa, Israel. Hué City crewmembers experienced the Dead Sea and Masada Fortress where they swam in the sea's saline waters. Other Sailors toured Jerusalem, experiencing the Stations of the Cross, while others explored Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. After departing Haifa Hué City performed duties as Commander Task Group 362.0 providing routine air logistics support between Cyprus and the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon before making a brief stop in Rota, Spain for fuel, stores and a day of liberty. The last major step for the crew was the Trans-Atlantic journey west which led us to Port Canaveral, Florida, where 60 family members embarked for an overnight Tiger Cruise to Mayport.