Maritime Forces Deputy Gets Bird's Eye View Of War In Iraq
The deputy commander of coalition maritime forces operating in
US Central Command’s area of responsibility catapulted from
the flight deck of USS John F. Kennedy Monday to participate in an
S-3B Viking sortie in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Commodore Paul Robinson, the UK's Maritime Component Commander,
based in Bahrain, flew in one of Sea Control Squadron (VS)
30’s Vikings to conduct a maritime security operation in the
North Arabian Gulf. The British Royal Navy ship HMS Somerset has
operated in that area since July as part of Task Force (TF) 58.
"We’re committed to the region, and we’re staying
here a bit longer," said Robinson of the Royal Navy’s
involvement in coalition operations in the Gulf.
The combined US and UK crew in the Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW)
aircraft, embarked on JFK, flew the mission to help protect
Iraq’s sea-based infrastructure, and to maintain the security
and stability of the Middle Eastern country.
"He got to see firsthand what S-3s bring to the operation," said
Lt. Cmdr James B. Hoskins, the VS-30 pilot who flew with
Robinson.
TF 58 maintains a presence in and around the Al Basrah and Khawr
Al Amaya Oil Terminals, which provide significant sources of
revenue for the rebuilding of Iraq.
A submarine officer, Robinson appreciated the capabilities the
anti-submarine warfare aircraft brings to the fight in the global
war on terrorism. But the crew impressed him more than the
technology of the US aircraft.
"The guys are just so professional," he said. "That’s
probably the most striking aspect of it all – the
professionalism on the flight deck and the air crew, as well."
In addition to working with TF 58, the Royal Navy one-star has
worked with Task Force 150, a multinational force currently under
British command. It comprises a key element of US 5th Fleet’s
contribution to the maritime interception operations in the Horn of
Africa region.
"The United States is just part of a joint coalition fighting
the war on terror," said Rear Adm. Barry McCullough, commander of
the John F. Kennedy Strike Group. "The collective efforts of our
shipmates from the United Kingdom -– and numerous other
international partners –- have led to successes in the Horn
of Africa, Fallujah and in other operations in this region."
US 5th Fleet’s AOR covers 7.5 million square miles and
includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, the Gulf of Oman and parts of
the Indian Ocean. In the region, US naval forces executing military
operations in the theater work closely with several countries from
around the globe.
"The importance of coalition forces in the Gulf is absolutely
immense," said the British submariner. "On any given day, one-third
to one-half of the available naval forces are non-US naval forces.
And there are more nations wanting to join the support."
Coalition forces supporting TF 150 include three UK assets. They
aim to deny international terrorist organizations the opportunity
to plan and execute terrorist attacks against maritime
infrastructure in the region – including oil and shipping
industries. This task force supports Operation Enduring
Freedom.
Its significant accomplishments include seizing a dhow with
illicit drugs; discovering almost two tons of narcotics with an
estimated street value of $8–10 million aboard a 40-foot
dhow; and boarding numerous vessels, including one carrying more
than 85 pounds of heroine.
Kennedy and CVW-17 have worked with the Royal Navy and other
coalition forces in the North Arabian Gulf since arriving on
station July 7. Air crews have flown combat sorties for the last
five months, providing close air support for coalition ground
forces in Iraq. Most recently, they participated in recent air
strikes in Fallujah.
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