THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Aboard USS Mason; Jan. 30, 2009

INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2009) Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Adam Gayner mans a 25MM chain gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) while monitoring a small boat transiting from the merchant vessel MV Faina. Faina and her crew are being held by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Mason is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick.)

INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2009) Sailors patrol near a the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) in a rigid hull inflatable boat while conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick.)

INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 18, 2009) Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) shore a water-tight hatch during a damage control training exercise. Mason is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick.)

INDIAN OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2009) Sailors from the guided missile destroyer USS Mason, are hoisted back aboard the ship's "Boat Deck." Mason is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security, arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick.)