USS Nicholas Returns Home for the Final Time

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) returned to Naval Station Norfolk today, marking the successful completion of her final six-month deployment.

The ship deployed on Jan. 20 of this year and traveled to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility where she supported Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy operations, promoted theater security cooperation efforts and conducted missions in support of Operation Active Endeavor, Operation Ocean Shield and Exercise FRUKUS 2013 with the British, French and Russian navies.

On Feb. 13, Nicholas transited the Suez Canal, entering the Arabian Sea where she spent the next five months conducting maritime security operations.

"Ninety percent of international cargo is moved by ship," said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Cory Blaser. "Conducting counter-piracy operations and establishing a presence helps to ensure safety and freedom of navigation which is critical to the world's economy."

While in the region, Nicholas provided assistance to the cargo bulk carrier M/V Atlantic Confident, who suffered an engineering casualty that led to the vessel taking on water. Additionally Nicholas filled escort duties for two U.S. submarines; conducting four Suez Canal transits.

The crew made port calls in Djibouti, Djibouti; Muscat, Oman; and Manama, Bahrain, where they enjoyed liberty, conducted maintenance on the ship and participated in community relations projects.

In the Mediterranean Sea, the crew participated in the coalition exercise FRUKUS 2013- conducting live-fire gunnery exercises, rescue-at-sea, divisional tactics and Non-Combatant Evacuation exercises, crew exchanges and port visits with maritime partner nations, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Blaser said exercises such as FRUKUS 2013 further the Navy's goals of interoperability among coalition partners and provide valuable training for the crew.

"Moving forward and working together makes all nations better prepared to meet the maritime challenges of the third millennium," said Blaser.

Nicholas is named for Samuel V. Nicholas (1774-1790), the first officer commissioned in the Continental Naval Service, 28 November 1775 as Captain of the Marines. The ship is slated to be decommissioned in spring 2014.

USS Nicholas Supports Drug Interdiction

By Lt. Matt Phillips, USS Nicholas Public Affairs

USS NICHOLAS, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) assisted partner nation forces with the interdiction of a vessel carrying nearly 2,200 kilograms (4,850 pounds) of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $363 million, in the eastern Pacific May 6.

The interdiction was conducted as part of Operation Martillo, a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus. 'Martillo' is the Spanish word for 'hammer.'

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection P-3 Orion initially detected the speedboat, "El Kike," and then turned over tracking to a helicopter from Nicholas. The helicopter tracked the suspect "go-fast" vessel until Nicholas was in position to make a coordinated approach with the helicopter. The go-fast vessel then stopped, jettisoned approximately half of its cargo, then turned and made best speed to Colombia.

Nicholas, with embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET), adjusted course while contacting nearby forces - USS McClusky (FFG 41) and Colombian navy ship ARC 20 de Julio for assistance. A helicopter attached to McClusky maintained surveillance of the go-fast and was able to divert the speedboat into Colombian territorial waters where it was interdicted by the Colombian navy.

"With the help of some friends, we accomplished what we set out to do - disrupt the drug trade," said Cmdr. Stephen Fuller, commanding officer of Nicholas. "Interdictions are challenging, but with the help of McClusky, [U.S.] Customs, and the Colombian navy, we executed a successful operation."

U.S. military participation in Operation Martillo is being led by Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a component of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Swift, Nicholas Visit Port Est, Reunion

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa / Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

PORT EST, Reunion (NNS) -- High speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) and USS Nicholas (FFG 47) arrived in Port Est for a three-day regularly scheduled port visit while operating in the Indian Ocean Feb. 16.

While in Port Est, the ships' crews will work with the French military. The stop will also allow both ships to pick up supplies and provide personnel with an opportunity for some liberty before they continue with their mission in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) East.

"Our stop in Reunion will allow us to regroup for the remainder of our APS mission, which is an international initiative aimed at improving maritime safety and security in Africa," said Capt. James E. Tranoris, commodore of APS East. "The APS mission has already taken us to Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Following our stop in Reunion, we'll continue with visits to Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Kenya. Any opportunity to partner and conduct international exchanges is valuable to our Sailors and the U.S. Navy, which is why we are looking forward to the prospect for training with the French military here in Reunion."

Military-to-military exchanges are not the only interactions happening in Reunion this week. Members of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band "Top Brass" will hold a concert at the University of Reunion (Saint-Denis). The performance will feature traditional American jazz and New Orleans style brass band music.

"We are excited every time we get to play a show for a new group of people," said Musician 3rd Class Vincent Moody. "Each country we visit provides us a great opportunity to meet new people and to entertain them with our music."

The visit will also allow crew members from both ships a chance for some relaxation and liberty time to venture out and enjoy the island.

APS is an international initiative in support of Naval Forces Africa which aims to unite international partners to enhance maritime safety and security throughout the African continent. Swift and Nicholas, both homeported in Norfolk, are on regular scheduled deployments within the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

USS Nicholas Arrives in 6th Fleet AOR

By Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Alan Goode, USS Nicholas Public Affairs

USS NICHOLAS, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Nicholas (FFG 47) arrived in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) Dec. 8 after a five-day transit across the Atlantic Ocean.

Nicholas will be participating in Africa Partnership Station (APS). APS, originally a U.S. Navy initiative, is now an international effort aimed at improving maritime safety and security for the continent of Africa through training and other collaborative activities with African partner countries.

"We're excited to begin working in this important area of operations with our maritime partners," said Cmdr. Mark Kesselring, commanding officer of Nicholas. "USS Nicholas is looking forward to a great deployment and making a positive difference everywhere she goes."

Nicholas, along with High Speed Vessel Swift 2, and are scheduled to visit ports in Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros during this deployment.

Homeported in Norfolk, Va., Nicholas is an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate and is deploying independently. Nicholas has a high capability against high speed surface craft at short range and is manned by more than 180 Sailors and is capable of speeds in excess of 28 knots. She was built in Bath, Maine in 1982 and commissioned in 1984.

USS Nicholas Sets Sail for Africa

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rachael L. Leslie, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) departed her homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., for a scheduled deployment Dec. 3.

The ship and her crew of 186 Sailors are set to participate in Africa Partnership Station (APS) in support of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM).

"APS is so important to the Navy," said Cmdr. Mark Kesselring, the ship's commanding officer. "It helps us to expand our partnerships across the oceans."

APS is an international security cooperation initiative led by U.S. Naval Forces Africa with the goal of improving maritime safety and security in West and Central Africa.

"I want them [the crew] to come back knowing they've done their best and served their country," said Kesselring. "I also hope they gain a better appreciation for other cultures."

APS is designed to help build the professional skills and capabilities of African nations. It is also the largest maritime partnership program in African history.

"I'm so very proud of both my son and the Navy," said Joe Sagona, father of Lt. Brian Sagona, a Nicholas crew member. "I served in the Air Force back in the 70s, and I'm just so amazed at how many things the Navy does. There's just so much more to deal with and protect."

During the deployment, Nicholas is scheduled to visit and train with several countries. The training will include professional exchanges on seamanship, environmental stewardship, and maritime awareness, along with numerous humanitarian and civic outreach opportunities.