Last modified Wed., December 13, 2006 - 06:18 PM
Originally created Thursday, December 14, 2006

USS Philippine Sea, HSL-42 Detachment Return To Mayport

By Ensign Gavin M. Whittle, USS Philippine Sea PAO

USS Philippine Sea returned Dec. 8 from a six-month deployment to the Northern Arabian Gulf in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The officers and crew conducted round the clock operations in Iraqi territorial waters protecting the critical offshore oil infrastructure. ''Philippine Sea had the rare opportunity to spend three and a half months operating in Iraqi Territorial Waters in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom,'' said Lieutenant Commander Zachary Staples, PSE Operations Officer.

Philippine Sea, along with pilots and airmen of HSL-42, Detachment Eight, deployed June 6 along with the IWO JIMA Expeditionary Strike Group. Enroute to the 5th Fleet Area of responsibility, Philippine Sea sailors enjoyed port visits in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy and Thessaloniki, Greece.

On arrival in the Northern Arabian Gulf, the ship assumed flagship duties for Coalition Task Force 158 providing Maritime Security for the entire region. For more than 100 days, it was home to Commander Task Force 158, Commander Coalition Task Force 158.1, and their staff. The Coalition leadership controlled a wide array of vessels and aircraft; participants included elements of the United States Coast Guard and Australian, Iraqi and Royal Navies.

''Philippine Sea's air warfare teams not only provided the principle air defense for the area of operations but also redefined the joint airspace control procedures for the North Arabian Gulf,'' added Staples.

''During this time our Sailors protected the critical energy infrastructure of Iraq,'' said Staples. In addition, they ''[lead] the Maritime Support Operations to ensure the integrity of Iraqi Territorial Waters and defined the policy and procedures that will enhance the security and stability of Iraq for years to come.''

061208-N-1550W-083 Mayport, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2006) - FC2 Jason Sherry and his wife Kimberly Sherry take the honor of first kiss after the arrival of the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) to it's homeport after a regularly scheduled six month deployment. During the deployment, the USS Philippine Sea sailed to the Northern Arabian Gulf in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On arrival, the ship assumed Flagship duties for Coalition Task Force 158 providing Maritime Security for the entire region. Photo by MC2 Elizabeth Williams

Philippine Sea's embarked helicopters flew over 700 hours in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with a majority of those occurring at night. ''We provided an avenue for the Iraqi people to increase ownership of their own security. The Warfare Commander utilized the broad picture we procured of the Maritime Environment including real-time video footage of contacts day or night,'' said Lt. David Hart, Air Department Operations Officer for Det 8.

In addition, VBSS teams performed over 100 missions ranging from sweeps of incoming merchant vessels to security patrols around the Iraqi Terminals. ''We played a vital role in Operation Iraqi Freedom and a tangible part in the War on Terror. When I did boardings I saw conditions that fisherman and merchants lived in. I felt that we played an integral part in the reconstruction of the Iraqi Economic Infrastructure,'' Ensign Joe Hamilton, Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard Philippine Sea.

Training the Iraqi military to assume a greater security role in the area was a vital aspect of CTF 158.1 and the Philippine Sea's mission according to Staples. ''One of the most important aspects of our deployment was daily interaction with Iraqi Marines and Sailors to mentor them in their development.''

Transiting home, the Wardogs of Philippine Sea enjoyed liberty port visits in Souda Bay, Crete and Rota, Spain. ''The tours were fun; the wine tour and dinner tour in Souda Bay were great,'' said EM1 Aaron Griffin, Electrical Division Lead Petty Officer. However Griffin stated getting home beats the fun of any port call. ''I finally get to see my wife for the first time in 6 months and I'll be back in time to see the birth of my first child.''

GSMC Nakia Riley greets his friends and family members upon the arrival of the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) to its homeport after a regularly scheduled six month deployment.

''I'm glad to be home. It was tough, but my wife was my support system through letters and e mails,'' said FC2 Jason Sherry.

USS Iwo Jima is one of 24 ships that comprise Commander, Amphibious Group TWO based at NAB Little Creek Virginia. COMPHIBGRU TWO with its 16,000 Sailors and Marines provides war fighting naval amphibious forces to operate with joint and combined forces for combatant commanders.

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) includes USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Albuquerque (SSN 706). Additionally, the Iwo Jima ESG includes the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (MEU(SOC)) as well as various supporting elements from Assault Craft Unit Four, Beachmaster Unit Two, and HSC 26.