Originally at: http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20061115-092738-1191r

MANAMA, Bahrain, Nov. 15 (UPI) — The Combined Task Force 152 operating out of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf in support of maritime security operations has received an additional asset.

The Navy Newsstand reported on Nov. 13 that the guided missile destroyer USS Mason, part of the Eisenhower Strike Group, joined Combined Task Force 152 earlier in the month.

Combined Task Force 152 consists of coalition forces currently led by Italian Navy Rear Adm. Emilio Foltzer. The task force is currently conducting maritime security operations in the central and southern Persian Gulf under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in Persian Gulf international waters to all merchantmen in the region.

The USS Mason Cmdr. John V. Fuller said, “I am particularly proud of the job Mason Sailors are doing every day as part of the Eisenhower Strike Group to promote maritime security and to build stronger friendships with other nations who want to protect the ocean highway.”

USS Mason brings a ship-boarding team capability to the effort and trained prior to deployment with special training ships to practice boarding during its Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea transit, practicing boarding operations with teams from the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage and guided missile cruiser USS Anzio.