La Salle (AGF 3) - Naval Cruise Book

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,-.,,- -6- .,,,.,.-,fm-.17 .-1--P -- -.-- v-wn-f.-v.wW- ..-1 - ...vff -v - - V J OI T TASK FORCE IDDLE EAS The U S first began ma1nta1n1ng a naval presence to protect American interests in the Persian Gulf in January 1949 Since that time the Middle East Force has functioned as a forward deployed element of U S pol1cy and presence The States of this region and the water areas contiguous to them are of significant economic geopolitical and military importance The Gulf area contains three fourths of the world s proven Oll reserves and produces one third of its pe IS key to the industrial strength of the free world From contingency operations in support of American in terests durlng the Suez Canal conflicts of the 1950 s through the accompaniment of U S flagged vessels to protect them from attack by belligerent forces during the Iran Iraq war the Middle East Force has often been the focus of interna tional attention With the escalation of the Iran Iraq war and the subse quent threat to freedom of navigation 1n the Arabian Gulf the Joint Task Force Middle East was created Comprlsed of units of the Middle East Force in addition to other elements of the Navy Army Air Force and Marines the Joint Task Force has a present force strength of 25 to 30 ships 80 to 90 fixed Wlng aircraft 25 to 30 helicopters and more than ll 000 sailors soldiers airmen and Mar1nes Although two separate organizations both Joint Task Force and Middle East Force are commanded by the same 1nd1v1dual in order to create a streamlined chain of command Concentrated primarily in the Arabian Gulf North Arablan Sea and the Gulf of Oman the ships aircraft and men of the Joint Task Force carry out a variety of tasks with in the broad mission of conduct1ng operations in support of national objectives These include the protection of U S flag merchant ships air and sea surveillance training and render ing humanitarian assistance Joint Task Force ships conduct the region These are short small scale training exercises in volving communications maneuvering and leapfrog drills nlght screen exercises replenishment at sea exercises and surface to surface exercises Serving as the Commander s flagship USS LA SALLE serves as an operational command center the focal point of U S policy in the region and contributes to fostering goodwill and understanding between the U S Middle East and Indian Ocean countries troleum products. The ability to freely move these products passing and transit exercises with ships of littoral navies in 10 A

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.x. '15 CHANGE O B gl OVER I Lt F CQMMAND :Cx ARRIVING ATTENTION 13 S A22 Photos By PH2 Desmond 9

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J-1 is the Staff's AdministrationfPersonnel Division which coordinates and prepares plans, directives and corre- spondence activities of the various Flag offices. They also serve in preparing the numerous awards for those serving in the Joint Task Force for submission to the Commander. J-2, Staffls Intelligence Directorate, collects, evaluates and disseminates intelligence as required. J-3 is Staffls Opera- tions Division, responsible for the organization, employment and operational scheduling of ships in the Joint Task Force. J-4, the Staff's Logistical Support Division, supervises matters involving disbursing, ordnance, repair and spare parts, fuel and transportation of material to ships of the Task Force. J-5 is the Plans Division which prepares contingency and emergency plans and studies and ensures their consis- tency with Force and higher command policy. This division also ensures the readiness of the Self-Defense Force Units aboard ships of the Force and manages the Stinger Missile Detachments of Force units. J -6 is the Communications Divi- sion, ensuring reliable, secure and rapid communications, based on wartime requirements, between ships of the Task Force and other operational and allied commands. With surface and aviation warfare officers, and ele- ments of nearly every enlisted rating represented, the staff of the Joint Task Force Middle East plays an important role in helping the elements of the Task Force execute U.S. policy in this vital region, and continues to be a positive influence in support of peace and stability in the area. '--...., FQWWWQQZZWVW f f J V W QW WV W 0 yfsgiasf if jfxyff W f ga 1541651 Ex, in f X f 5-Aagirwfsff KVSW X i WNV wq5 'Jm XXX A .N mpc., li A W 'Q Kgs! wA K X 8' rl WAN 'T PPM 4-N. X we ww x f YQ: NN-NN my im .mu-s gg 'www ,a.,.t...rff.':,,,,,f-'f'-N W N., --wwf' fa. 1--wwwmm JW? s NWN afgffhwnfm QRS-TsM7N N, ,,mQifxS3',3,,,'l 'q'QXQFB.wf XZ! W WX Mig-ww 61? MQVMX X mvil' we-QQ-X hgmhkkmgghg W XX5Qx.lt...,! 1 Wmmzevmti PERSIAN GULF TASK FORCE jr ' D V ii l W l lf' t V y ' ' ' ' 1' y 4 ,,,i.,.-...f , , 1 ' . f ' K I VV I 1' I f . t al J l X I ,X f XX - I.. f rw 'W ,uawfsw li l . ' 37 fifffi iffif f - ' N K v I . l I - I ' 5 ' A l Z? J A 4 I . ...k. M is T. ,,,,. s R ,,m,.,M 5 QSQQ-Sgwyfn . V ,, .. .... ,fa ,.: - ...ar LXR gy? wk-....:f, 1 ' . - ' g is A mi , A-ff'-R? ' . ,-, A sf . 5 ,. S, , F ' -g gf- N--. ' ' f A K H ..,.. Q -s----f' . , x ' W , . qggtv , A: ' 1 1 N- :?i.?w-fffwwtmwf TSZWLJTFJWJSX' 5-is -ff' f T'Ti'- . J ,... ..,. g ,Q l l