Operation Iraqi Freedom

050413-N-5526M-006 13 April, 2005 Information Technician Seaman Zachary Reed readys the .50 caliber machine gun while observing Maritime Security Operations aboard Arligh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89).
US and Coalition forces plan and execute maritime security operations (MSO) to deny terrorists use of the maritime environment in the North Arabian Gulf. MSOs have a multi-layered security posture utilizing a variety of assets to detect, disrupt and destroy terrorist attempts to harm the infrastructure of Iraq. This includes the security and normalization of commercial shipping into and out of Iraq and the Khor Al Amaya and Al Basrah Oil Terminals. The USS Mustin (DDG-89) is currently deployed with the USS Carl Vinson Strike Group in the Arabian Gulf during a scheduled six month deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. (DOD Photo by PH1(AW/SW) Robert McRill U.S. Navy.)