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"War Dragon" Returns to Pearl Harbor After Successful Deployment
Story Number: NNS060110-08
Release Date: 1/10/2006 1:16:00 PM
By Ensign Kristina Melendez, USS Chosin(CG 65) Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII (NNS) -- The guided missile cruiser USS Chosin (the War Dragon) (CG 65) returned to its homeport of Pearl Harbor after a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and 5th Fleet area of operations Jan. 9.
Chosin, commanded by Capt. Doug Venlet, departed Hawaii in July as part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1.
"The Sailors of the 'Mighty War Dragon' performed every mission to Chosin standards - a fantastic effort in everything they did," said Venlet.
During the deployment, Sailors from Chosin and helicopter Anti-Submarine Light Squadron 37, Detachment 4 supported maritime security operations (MSO). MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.
"Being able to take part in the war on terrorism is what I signed up for," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Robert Mack of Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Over the course of two months in the Northern Persian Gulf, Chosin worked alongside Iraqi and coalition forces to provide security for two Iraqi oil terminals, Al Basrah Oil Terminal and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal. At the same time, Chosin’s crew conducted a full range of activities ranging from assisting mariners in distress, to visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.
"Plus we had some really cool port visits where I learned about different cultures. It's good to be home, but I really had a good time," said Mack.
During the deployment, Chosin made port calls to Singapore, Thailand, Bahrain, Dubai, Australia, and American Samoa. Chosin Sailors participated in community relations projects in Thailand and Australia.
"I'm proud and humbled to have served with this great crew and being able to support our fellow armed forces and coalition partners in the global fight against terrorism. We now look forward to spending some well-earned time with our families," said Capt. Venlet.
For related news, visit the Expeditionary Strike Group 1 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/esg1/.
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