Veguita sailor returns from Operation Iraqi Freedom

By Cynthia R. Smith

Submitted to El Defensor Chieftain

   Veguita's Thomas B. Collins and his fellow sailors on board the amphibious assault ship USS Duluth (LPD 6) recently returned from a Western Pacific deployment where they supported Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

   Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Collins, the 34-year-old son of Michelle McMullen, of Veguita, is a damage control specialist on board Duluth.

   "I train shipboard personnel in all aspects of damage control, fire fighting, flooding and ruptures," Collins said.

   Duluth served as a support platform for the Coast Guard Port Security Units on the Gas/Oil Platforms (GOPLATS) Mabot and Kaaot. GOPLATS are static platforms that are used for gas and oil drilling. They provided radar and boiler technicians and machinist mates to help fix the equipment on the GOPLATS.

   During the height of OIF, Duluth served as a combat search and rescue platform for U.S. Air Force HH-60G "Pave Hawk" helicopters as well as a refueling for combat helicopters heading into Iraq.

   Collins enjoys the opportunity to serve his country at a time when he is needed most.

   "It feels really good to serve my country," said Collins, a 10-year Navy veteran.

   During their deployment, Duluth received the Austin-class Amphibious Transport Dock and Commander, Amphibious Group Three's medium command Battle Efficiency Award for 2003. A battle efficiency award is given to a command that demonstrates excellent battle efficiency and mission readiness in several core areas including engineering, operations, medical and supply.

   The Global War on Terrorism requires an agile, flexible and responsive fleet. Collins and the crew of Duluth have demonstrated the ability to be where they need to be, when they need to be there. They answered the country's call to duty. Now Collins and the Duluth's crew are ready to turn their attention and focus toward the next mission when the order comes.

   Smith is a Navy journalist assigned to the Navy Public Affairs Center at Naval Station, San Diego.