Merrill (DD 976) - Naval Cruise Book

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STG2(SW) Pothier, STG2(SW) Friedrich, and TMSN Ozuna gather then- gear for the trip i Above). % STG2(SW) Bryan is plugged in and ready (Above). The team cautiously approaches a suspect vessel (Left). Using embarked SH-60B helicopters from SHL-49 Det 4 and her own small boat, MERRILL conducted safe and effective contra- band and paperwork searches on three suspect merchant vessels. V.B.S.S. 13

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V. B. S. S. One of MERRILL ' S primary missions in the Gulf was to enforce the United Nations ' sanctions against Iraq. The Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (V. B. S. S) team was always ready for quick action whenever duty called. FC3 Rucker, ENC(SW) Leaf and ihe rest of the team are ready to go (Above). MERRILL ' S Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure team (Above). LTJG Mill.s prepare.s to lead the team in one of three suc- ces.sful boardings of merchant vessels suspected of violating U.N. sanctions (Above). BM3 Edwards and EN3 Ballard were vital members of the team (Right).

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Special Evolutions There ' s more than one way to receive necessary supphes MERRILL operating in close formation with the Battle f Above). Group carrier (Above). .,,:: 4 t-jA.JJf Tactic. 1 maneuvennj; always presents a challenging en ironincnl ic(|uii-ing team wm k Ikjiu all IIki.sc iiiMiKcd lAbine) 14 Special Kviihiliuni