USS Decatur Enjoys Steel Beach Luau

Courtesy Photo | A USS Decatur Sailor, Chief Master at Arms (SW) David Dooney of Boardman, Ore., enjoys some fishing off the ship's fantail during Decatur's steel beach luau, April 4. The crew enjoyed a traditional Hawaiian luau, including food, fishing and music. The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer left its homeport of San Diego Jan. 4, as part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. While on deployment, the ship has conducted MSO as part of CTF 150, a Dutch-led coalition that operated in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, parts of the Indian Ocean and the North Arabian Sea. Official U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Don Tennant  

ABOARD USS DECATUR, AT SEA

04.12.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

ABOARD USS Decatur (DDG 73) -The crew of the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) enjoyed a 'steel beach" luau April 4, offering a break from the ship's routine and giving the crew an opportunity to relax during the ship's deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations where they are conducting maritime security operations.

Sailors of the 300-man crew said the day was restful and a well-deserved break. While the ship's crew continued to work hard in support of maritime security operations (MSO) and other coalition efforts, the luau provided a brief respite from the fast-paced operations that define the Navy's 5th Fleet, according to the ship's captain.

"Events like these are important for the crew," said Decatur's Commanding Officer Cmdr. John Steinberger of Lindenwold, N.J. "On the one hand, today is an opportunity to reflect on the many successful accomplishments of this ship and her dedicated crew. On the other, it's a way to rejuvenate ourselves as we strive towards even higher levels of achievement in the upcoming months."

The crew enjoyed a traditional Hawaiian luau, including a roasted pig, fishing and music.

Decatur left its homeport of San Diego Jan. 4, as part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. While on deployment, the ship has conducted MSO as part of CTF 150, a Dutch-led coalition that operated in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, parts of the Indian Ocean and the North Arabian Sea.

"Coalition naval forces are working together toward a common goal against a common enemy - an enemy of peace, an enemy of stability, an enemy of prosperity," said Steinberger. "No one country can set the conditions for security and stability alone. It takes a coalition."

MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime regime as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2006
• Date Posted: 04.12.2006 09:40
• Story ID: 5999
• Location: ABOARD USS DECATUR, AT SEA