By Ensign Solomon Gardea, USS Mason (DDG 87)
GULF OF ADEN (July 27, 2016) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) assisted the Motor Vessel Marzouk, a stricken dhow off the coast of Yemen, July 27.
Marzouk’s propulsion and auxiliary systems had suffered a massive failure, leaving the vessel and its crew dead in the water. The situation left a severely overcrowded crew vulnerable to harsh seas and weather conditions without basic necessities, including drinking water. Immediately after discovering the dhow, Mason’s visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team along with an engineering assessment team went to troubleshoot the propulsion system and to aid the Marzouk’s passengers.
“We came upon a dhow that was dead in the water with over 300 souls on board with limited provisions and less than adequate living accommodations,” said Command Master Chief Ronn Shasky, a member of the engineering assessment team. “We provided food and water to the passengers on board and quickly established a rapport with the crew allowing us to assess their mechanical issues.”
Upon inspection of the dhow’s engine room, the engineering assessment team discovered a severely degraded propulsion system.
“Mason’s crew of engineers responded to the dhow and identified rapidly that the main engine failed,” said Chief Damage Controlman Jay Fowler, “Seawater cooling to the engine was fouled heavily with rust and sludge. Multiple seals were found ruptured and the engine was flooded out.”
Despite hazardous conditions that included rough seas, heavy weather and high humidity, Mason was able to transport parts of the engine back to Mason for further troubleshooting and cleaning.
“We assessed that there were several bad gaskets internal to the engine that would require to be specially made by our repair team on board Mason,” said Shasky, “The team spent over 18 hours battling stifling heat and heavy seas.”
“What makes our Navy the greatest in the world is not only our projection of sea power, but also our compassion,” said Shasky, “[Mason] was able to return their diesel engine to full operational capability and send them on their way with the aid of an escort dhow in the event of any further issues with the vessel.”
Mason is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and deployed with the Ike CSG. In addition to Mason, the Ike CSG includes the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69), its embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) and guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and guided-missile destroyers USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Stout (DDG 55) and guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61).
Join the conversation with Mason on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MASONDDG87/.
Find more news from USS Mason (DDG 87) at www.navy.mil/local/ddg87.
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2016 04:16 |
| Story ID: | 207530 |
| Location: | GULF OF ADEN |
| Hometown: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 584 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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