San Antonio Transits the Suez Canal

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Goodwin | The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio transits through the Suez Canal. San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. Navy'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.  

09.23.2008

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Goodwin 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Goodwin
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea – The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio made its first transit through the Suez Canal as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, Sept. 23, 2008.

San Antonio's first transit through the Suez Canal marked their entry into the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

"As we enter the Fifth Fleet area of operations, we will conduct Maritime Security Operations, maritime infrastructure protection and will work to deter destabilizing activities in order to help create a lawful maritime order," said Kastner.

San Antonio relied on the skill and expertise of its Sailors to successfully maneuver the Suez Canal's navigational challenges.

"As the first of the class making the transit, we are figuratively in uncharted waters," said Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio's commanding officer. "However, we have plenty of experience, knowledge and resourcefulness in the crew, which made for a smooth transit."

One of the challenges of the transit was the narrow passage San Antonio had to navigate.

"The path through the Suez is only 119 meters wide with water as deep as 14.8 meters," said Lt. j.g. Kathleen Friel, San Antonio's navigator. "Therefore, the turns made by the helmsman need to be precise when adjusting course."

San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. Navy'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.

• Date Taken: 09.23.2008
• Date Posted: 09.28.2008 12:09
• Story ID: 24245