CTF 158 Commander Visits Peleliu

07.22.2008

Story by Chief Petty Officer Donnie Ryan 

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

By Chief Petty Officer Donnie Ryan
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

USS PELELIU, At Sea - Rear Adm. Kendall L. Card, Commander Task Force 158 visited USS Peleliu, July 22-23, to thank the ship's crew for their hard work in the Combined Maritime Forces area of operations.

"I am proud I have the opportunity to serve with such great Sailors," said Card, who assumed duties as CTF 158 three weeks ago. "My job is to help strengthen the capabilities of the ship and Task Force, as well as lead the staff in training and integration of forces."

During his visit, Card met with Sailors, officers and chief petty officers from Peleliu and Amphibious Squadron 3 to discuss current operations and the commitment by the U.S. and coalition forces to provide security in the region.

"You should be very proud of what you're doing here," Card told a group of Peleliu's chief petty officers. "It's a very complex theater, and more than 20 coalition nations help provide security within the region. This warship plays a big part in providing maritime security."

Card also took part in a special ceremony on the ship's flight deck where Peleliu hauled up the Gold Surface Warfare Excellence Pennant after qualifying for the prestigious command-level award. He also pinned 10 Sailors with their recent warfare qualifications.

Sailors who were pinned during the ceremony said they appreciated Card taking the time to be part of the ceremony.

"It's awesome that I get to be pinned by the Admiral," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Evers, who received his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin during the ceremony. "Not everyone gets to be pinned by an admiral."

Following the ceremony, Card spoke to the Sailors and Marines who gathered on the flight deck to attend the pinning ceremony.

"When something goes awry on a ship, I'm always looking for leadership from those with warfare pins on their chest," Card told the group of Sailors and Marines. "There's nothing a leader enjoys more than awarding and advancing their people."

Expeditionary Strike Groups such as the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group, are deployed worldwide and can project sea power ashore by landing amphibious forces via helicopter, amphibious track vehicles, air cushion landing craft and assault craft. These capabilities center on flexibility and readiness to conduct expeditionary operations both ashore and afloat.

Peleliu is the flag ship of the Peleliu Strike Group which is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct maritime security operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement 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: 07.22.2008
• Date Posted: 07.28.2008 12:25
• Story ID: 21914