U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

Story by: Ensign Andrew T. Ashby and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Hepburn

GULF OF ADEN - Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, Commander, Combined Task Force 151, participated in an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pinning ceremony during a visit to USS DeWert Nov. 15.

Sanders pinned three newly qualified DeWert Sailors: 3rd Class Kolby Van Donge, Boatswain's Mate, of Oscaloosa, Kan., 2nd Class Elliot Spang, Yeoman, of Dayton, Ohio and 2nd Class Brian Avery, Engineman, of Little Rock, Ark.

"I'm very honored to be part of this important ceremony," said Sanders. "These Sailors have studied and worked very hard to achieve this qualification. The determination and drive required for this qualification is a vivid example of the motivation and professionalism of the men and women who make up the U.S. Navy today."

"I felt honored to have someone of such high rank and status take time to honor my achievement," said Avery. "It was really worth the hard work."

"It was well worth the effort and non-stop studying to get my pin and I know that it will help benefit my career in the future," said Van Donge.

Spang was especially proud and said, "I'm proud of the hard work I've put into it. It was well worth it and it was good to be recognized by the entire crew. Now I feel like I'm part of the family."

Sanders also met with DeWert's officers to brief them on CTF 151 operations. DeWert is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility and is taking part in counter piracy operations as part of
CTF 151.

CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counterpiracy operations under a mission based mandate throughout the Combined Maritime Forces area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. CTF 151 currently includes naval forces from the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Australia and Turkey.

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