Free Republic

PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- USS Ogden (LPD 5), the Navy’s oldest active amphibious ship, is currently serving as the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) for the multinational maritime coalition operating in the North Persian Gulf. As the AFSB for Commander, Task Group (CTG) 158.1, the 41-year-old amphibious transport dock is providing logistical support for the various forces that are protecting Iraq’s territorial waters and oil platforms, as well as serving as a training platform for Iraqi sailors and marines. “The crew is having a wonderful time,” said Cmdr. James Hruska, Ogden’s commanding officer. “Everyone understands the importance of keeping these...

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The London Bridge Baptist Preschool presented the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) with a 10-foot by 10-foot banner to thank Wasp crew members for their service in a brief ceremony May 11. The banner was created in honor of Armed Forces Day, observed at the end of the month. “We have a lot of military families come here,” said Jennifer Connolly, wife of a Wasp Sailor. “Many of those service members are deployed to Iraq right now.” The preschool decided to make the large banner, decorated with the handprints of more than...