USS Kauffman, USS Normandy Return From Deployment

While deployed, the strike group ships conducted maritime security operations for theU.S. 5th Fleet and theater security cooperation for the U.S. 6th Fleet.

By U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Stefanie Holzeisen-MullenU.S. Navy Fleet Public Affairs Center

NAVAL STATION, NORFOLK, Va., Sept. 30, 2005 — Family and friends gathered recently to greet more than 600 sailors from the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman, elements of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group, as they returned to Naval Station Norfolk after successfully completing a six-month deployment in support of the Global War on Terror.

"The character and resiliency of the crew was awe-inspiring," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Kenneth Krogman, commanding officer of the USS Kauffman. "Faced with operational and other challenges, their (the crew) ability to adapt, overcome and work together as a team overcame all obstacles." The strike group ships departed Norfolk March 25, and conducted maritime security operations for the U.S. 5th Fleet and theater security cooperation for the U.S. 6th Fleet. Maritime security operations set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. It further denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. These operations pressurize the maritime environment by using coalition ships to detect, deter and deny illegal use of the high seas.

In May USS Kauffman, in a coalition effort involving ships from Commander, Task Force 150, under the Coalition Forces Maritime Component Command, assisted in the seizure of more than 4,200 pounds of hashish after a flag boarding team discovered the drugs hidden behind a false bulkhead.

"This seizure made the war on terror tangible for many of the crew," said Krogman. "It made the long hours of surveillance, numerous intelligence stops and tireless patrols of the sea well worth it." USS Kauffman also took part in Exercise Inspired Siren, a bilateral joint maritime security operation exercise between the United States and Pakistan navies.

While on station, USS Normandy provided anti-aircraft warfare protection for the expeditionary strike group. The ship also combined efforts under Coalition Task Force 58 in support of maritime security operation by conducting security support for the Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals.


Link to more Homecoming Photos: http://www.defendamerica.mil/homecoming/sep2005/h09-30-2005-a02.html