La Salle (AGF 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAPT R R WILLIAMS CHIEF OF STAFF COL (USMC) J R BENSON KAILUA, HAWAII CAPT J V HORTON NEPTUNE BEACH, FL CAPT R R BIDWELL CAPT ED SCHWIER CHARLESTON. SC YNCS J D REYNOLDS COMMAND SENIOR CHIEF BRYAN, TX

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COMMANDER, MIDDLE EAST FORCE STAFF The COMIDEASTFOR staff played a number of roles during the year of 1990. In addition to the Middle East Force role, the staff served as Joint Task Force Middle East until August. With the Iraqi invasion of Ku- wait. JTFME was disestablished and Commander, U.S. Maritime Interception Force was established to en- force United Nations sanctions against Iraq. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command served on LA SALLE at the outset of Operation DESERT SHIELD. The COMIDEASTFOR staff has proven to be flexible, living up the the LA SALLE motto of Versatility At Sea, and promises to grow in importance in the years ahead. MIDDLE EAST FORCE MISSION For more than 40 years. United States forces have served United States national interests in the Arabian Gulf. Red Sea and North Arabian Sea. The states of this region and the waters contiguous to them are of significant economic, geopolitical and military importance. The Gulf area contains three-fourths of the world ' s proven oil reserves and produces one-third of its petroleum products. The ability to move these products IS key to the industrial strength of the free world. By their continued presence, ships of the Middle East Force demonstrate the commitment of the United States to freedom of navigation in this region. The ships and men of the Middle East Force carry out a variety of tasks within the broad mission of conducting operations in support of national objectives. These include protection of United States merchant ships, air and sea surveillance, training, and rendering humanitarian assistance. Middle East Force ships traditionally conduct passing and transit exercises with ships of allied navies and also with ships of littoral navies in the region. Forty-two years after its inception. Middle East Force continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the security and stability of a region vitally important to the national security interests of the United States. 18

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CDR M D HINKLEY MEDWAY. MA CDR J R PEDROTTY ST LOUIS. MO CDR J, A, WATSON CHESAPEAKE, VA CDR P R ROSSI SAN CARLOS, CA CDR J T SHARP BROOKLYN, NY LCDR K. R. HEINZ SAN DIEGO, CA LCDR G. AIKEN LCDR R- J. SELEKMAN LCDR R. S, LIBBY WASHINGTON, DC LCDR (USCG) J, J. JASKOT POCATELLO, ID LT M. G MURPHY HAWTHORNE, NJ LT (USCG)C. LLOYD CAPT (USMC) W, J. PHILBIN SHREWSBURY. MA CAPT (USMC) C C CURK SCOTLAND. SD CAPT (USMC) F. H, SANFORD SPRINGHILL. LA