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.

FMI: www.news.navy.mil/local/cv67