USS Carr Aids Vessel in Distress in Arabian Gulf

ARABIAN GULF (September 26, 2007) - Boarding team members from the guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) rendered assistance to a United Arab Emirates-flagged fishing dhow in the Central Arabian Gulf (CAG) Sept. 26. The fishing dhow was having engine problems and an engineering team from Carr was able to get the dhow running again. Carr also provided the dhow’s crew with fresh water, food and a medical kit. Carr is currently in the (CAG) conducting Interaction Patrols (IPATS). IPATS are an element of MSO, which help generate support and awareness amongst commercial vessels sailing in the region of the Coalition’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment. Coalition forces also conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region. Carr is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of MSO as part of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Espinoza

ARABIAN GULF (September 26, 2007) - Boarding team members from the guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) rendered assistance to a United Arab Emirates-flagged fishing dhow in the Central Arabian Gulf (CAG) Sept. 26. The fishing dhow was having engine problems and an engineering team from Carr was able to get the dhow running again. Carr also provided the dhow’s crew with fresh water, food and a medical kit. Carr is currently in the (CAG) conducting Interaction Patrols (IPATS). IPATS are an element of MSO, which help generate support and awareness amongst commercial vessels sailing in the region of the Coalition’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment. Coalition forces also conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region. Carr is on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of MSO as part of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Espinoza

SUEZ CANAL (Aug. 26, 2007) - Sonar Technician Surface 3rd class Brian Mahoney mans a .50-caliber machine gun aboard guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) during the transit through the Suez Canal. Carr is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd class Oscar Espinoza (RELEASED)

Dispatches from the Front:

USS Carr Helps Vessel in Distress in Central Arabian Gulf

USS CARR, At Sea --The guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) while conducting Maritime Security Operations in the Central Arabian Gulf provided assistance to a United Arab Emirates-flagged fishing dhow in distress Sept. 26.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m., the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), spotted the distressed vessel and requested Carr investigate. Carr immediately launched their boarding team in a 7-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and proceeded to the drifting vessel. As they approached, the fishing vessel’s crew members signaled their appreciation that the Coalition was lending assistance and invited them aboard.

“Despite the language barrier, we could tell by the master’s expression and body language that he was grateful for our assistance and felt comfortable with our presence,” said Ensign Christopher Cornish, Carr’s boarding officer.

Three members of the team immediately went to work on the dhow’s engine. Engineman Chief Michael Doleski, Electrician’s Mate Chief Todd Steiner and Engineman 1st Class Shawn Etheridge worked with the dhow’s crew to troubleshoot the motor and get it running again.

“The dhow’s engine was extremely clean and their crew was very knowledgeable,” said Doleski. After ninety minutes onboard, the engine was operational again.

The boarding team members also left the dhow with a medical kit and food and water. The dhow’s crew repeatedly shook the hands of boarding team members and thanked them as they prepared to depart.

“We are trying to build a cooperative partnership with the local maritime community,” said Cornish. “Gaining their trust is a vital step in this process.” Coalition forces have a long-standing tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance and search and rescue efforts.

Carr is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment as part of the Kearsarge Strike Group conducting Interaction Patrols (IPATS). IPATS are an element of MSO, which help generate support and awareness amongst commercial vessels sailing in the region of the Coalition’s efforts to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment. Coalition forces also conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that commercial shipping and fishing can occur safely in the region.

(From USS Kearsarge Strike Group Public Affairs.)

More Combat Camera Imagery on THE TENSION

Tags: DOD, Military, War, NAVCENT, Maritime Security Operation, Fifth Fleet, 5th Fleet, Navy, USS Carr, United Arab Emirates dhow, Kearsarge Strike Group, Middle East, Photography, photo, photos, pictures, images, photojournalism, Combat Camera, Dispatches from the Front
Global Tags: Washington DC, News and Politics, News, Politics, Current Events, Current Affairs, Life, Culture, Buzz, Tension

Shop Today's Deals at Amazon.com and Save!
Buy.com's Deal of the Day! A Different Product Every Day.
Broadband Essentials from RealNetworks: Maximize Your PC.