Decatur Joins French Task Force in Arabian Sea

Courtesy Photo | A French Navy Panther helicopter lands on USS Decatur's (DDG 73) flight deck while underway in the North Arabian Sea. On May 5, Decatur joined a coalition task force led by French nuclear-powered surface vessel FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91), which is currently providing air support to U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan. Decatur is deployed to the region in support of Maritime Security Operations. 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.  

ABOARD USS DECATUR, AT SEA

05.15.2006

Courtesy Story

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ABOARD USS DECATUR, At sea " USS Decatur (DDG 73) assumed another large role in the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet area of operations by joining with a French-led task force in the North Arabian Sea, May 5.

The task force's flagship, FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91), France's first nuclear-powered surface vessel, is currently operating in the waters south of Pakistan. While helping to maintain the security of these waters, it's also providing air support to U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Using its advanced communications abilities, Decatur's support of the task force has ensured reliable, successful, and secure communication between the French forces and the aircraft they fly in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"We wish to conduct operations with a maximum level of security," said Cmdr. Thierry Le Moigne, the French Naval liaison officer for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. "Therefore, we're pleased with [Decatur's] tactical data link picture, which allows us to track our aircraft activities in theater."

Instrumental in the effective collaboration between the American and French forces was Lt. j.g. David J. Hogg. A native of San Diego, Hogg made three trips by French Panther helicopter to Charles de Gaulle in order to ensure a smooth set up.

"We integrated the skills and knowledge from both our nations to overcome several early operability issues," said Hogg. "It has been a pleasure to work with such consummate professionals towards a common goal."

No one agreed with that assessment more than Decatur's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. John Steinberger.

"Throughout our deployment, we have been consistently impressed with the extraordinarily high level of professionalism, dedication, and service of our coalition partners," said Steinberger, originally from Lindenwold, N.J. "Charles De Gaulle is a magnificent warship, and this is a wonderful opportunity to support [the task force] as they, in turn, support Operation Enduring Freedom."

"Beyond the political choices of our respective countries, which could naturally be different, there has always been a good level of understanding at the technical level," added Le Moigne. "We've always maintained the links of friendship in order to be ready to work together when our countries require it."

Decatur left its San Diego homeport on Jan. 4, as part of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group. It has spent significant time off the coast of the Horn of Africa, where it conducted Maritime Security Operations with the Pakistani-led Combined Task Force 150.

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 environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2006
• Date Posted: 05.15.2006 09:24
• Story ID: 6373
• Location: ABOARD USS DECATUR, AT SEA