Tony

The Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) NEXTgen Scholars Program offers qualified students the opportunity to win $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 or $500 each quarter for earning good grades in school. The next drawing is in June 2021. To enter the drawing, students must be full-time with a “B” grade point average equivalent or better, as determined by their school system. Homeschooled students can also qualify with acknowledgement that the student has a “B” average or equivalent record of accomplishment. Students must bring their current report card or other performance document to any NEX, fill out an entry card and have any documentation validated by an NEX associate. Once entered, the students will be given a coupon good for $10 off a one-time NEX purchase of $20 or more. Eligible students include dependent children of active duty members, reservists and military retirees as well as U.S. civilian Department of Defense employees stationed outside the continental United States and U.S. civilian employees of firms under contract to the Department of Defense outside the continental United States. Students must be enrolled in 1st through 12th grade. Dependent children without an individual Dependent Identification Card must be accompanied by their sponsor to submit their entry. Each student may enter only once each grading period and must re-enter with each qualifying report card. Thanks to its vendor partners, NEXCOM has awarded a total of $804,500 in savings bonds and monetary awards to students since the program’s inception in 1997. For more information on the NEXTgen Scholars Program visit myNavyExchange.com/NEXTgen. Quick Facts The Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) NEXTgen Scholars Program offers qualified students the opportunity to win $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 or $500 each quarter for earning good grades in school. The next drawing is in June 2021.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing tax year 2020 federal returns on Feb. 12, 2021.

ATLANTA -- U.S. military officials said they had removed some 60 planeloads of gear from Afghanistan and identified about 1,300 pieces of equipment for destruction by Tuesday as the Pentagon works to exit the country where American troops have been at war for nearly 20 years.

Coronavirus restrictions have hurt sailors’ morale and may prompt some to jump ship when their terms of service expire, a Navy commander wrote recently in an independent journal. Cmdr. Matt Wright, a 2002 U.S. Naval Academy graduate who leads Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 at Norfolk, Va., brought up his concerns in the April edition of the U.S. Naval Institute’s monthly magazine, Proceedings.

As the only enlisted person in an OJAG UIC which happens to fall directly under the Secretary of the Navy Office, he competed within the Office of the Secretary of the Navy Secretariat Staff Sailor of the Quarter Program. The program includes HQ staff from SECNAV Office, OJAG, NCIS, IG, Navy Comptroller, Navy CIO, Navy Auditor, Council Review Board, Office of Naval Research, and the Naval Records Office. Although not a rated Flag Writer, Swager provided direct administrative support to two Flag Officers, the Judge Advocate General of the Navy (JAG), and the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy (0-9 and 0-8). Often dual-hatted as Administrative Officer, he was the linchpin of the JAG’s front office staff, ensuring hundreds of pieces of correspondence, both internal and external, meet Flag review standards. Swager, who is from Sacramento, California, graduated high school from Wheatland Union High School in 2012 and enlisted in the Navy in March 2014 under the PACT Seaman program. Upon completion of Recruit Training, he attended "A" school in Great Lakes, Illinois. Swager was recognized for his service and dedication by Vice Adm. John Hannink, Judge Advocate General of the Navy. “YN1 Swager performed admirably on my headquarters administrative team. Over the quarter, he supported five officers and a civilian office administrator in the completion of more than 35 awards, 25 executive-level legal packages headed to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretariat.” Swager knows how important his role is and works diligently to earn the respect of his subordinates, peers, and his entire chain of command. Swager credits his work ethic in his selection for the award. “When you feel like quitting, think about why you started,” said Swager. In July 2014, Petty Officer Swager reported to his first command, USS CHUNG­HOON (DDG 93) homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After six months in Operations Department as a Deck Seaman, he struck the Yeoman rate and in July 2015 advanced to Third Class Petty Officer. He deployed to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility in 2016 and participated in the 2016 Rim of the Pacific Exercise. He was selected as the Blue Jacket of the Quarter 2nd quarter 2015 and Sailor of the Quarter 1st quarter 2018. His noteworthy qualifications include Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Master Helmsman, Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer, and served on the Anti-Terrorism and Seamanship Training Teams. In July 2017, he advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. Vice Adm. Hannink also noted the high standards that Swager has set for himself and others. “YN1 Swager sets the standard for Yeomen and First Class Petty Officers. His dedication to the three-star JAG staff, his Sailors, the U.S. Navy, and the community are unparalleled. He is both an exemplary leader and Sailor, and the administrative backbone of OJAG. He is relied upon for his proven leadership abilities, concern for fellow Sailors, and rating expertise on a daily basis”. “It’s incredible knowing that people take notice of the work you are doing. I heard once early in my career, “take care of the Navy and the Navy takes care of you”. I’ve been in seven years and to achieve this recognition shows that if I can do it, anybody can do it.” And he demonstrates that as indicated by his involvement in performing multiple demanding collateral duties for a headquarters office of an organization of more than 350 personnel and multiple subordinate units. He has served as the OJAG Fire Marshal, Security Assistant, Command Personnel Pay Administrator, Mail Manager, Assistant Casualty Assistance Coordinator, Command Resilience Team member, Assistant Command Fitness Leader, and an Assistant Urinalysis Program Coordinator for OPNAV. Swager is also committed to continuous personal and professional development. During 2nd quarter FY-21, he completed numerous courses on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO)/Navy e-learning, to include Public Speaking, Joint Warfighter—U.S. Navy Ships, and Joint Warfighter—U.S. Navy Aircrafts. And always leading by example, Swager volunteered seven hours with his community church, picking up trash along highways. Swager is a humble leader who always looks for a way to foster the community/Navy alliance. “If you want something done, ask a busy person” said Swager. Congratulations to YN1 Swager on this tremendous accomplishment!

R 032111Z MAY 21 FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 034/21 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/MAY// SUBJ/MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH// RMKS/1. Dear Shipmates, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an opportunity to touch base on a critical aspect of our readiness and well-being that touches everything we do. 2. The demands of service can have deep and lasting effects on the lives of our warriors and families. As you stand the watch on behalf of the American people, I ask you to ensure you are taking the time to look out for yourself and those who serve alongside you as well. 3. Please reach out whenever you need to or see the need in others. I know from personal experience how helpful counseling can be during both personal and professional struggles. In the course of your service, you may see and experience things most Americans won’t ever think about. That’s what you volunteered to do. But don’t shelve those experiences away. Reach out and talk to somebody. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 4. Mental health professionals, chaplains, family counselors, and other support professionals are here for you. There is No Wrong Door for Sailors and Marines to get the help they need. Mental health services are available across the globe at military medical treatment facilities, above, on and below the sea, and embedded within operational units. 5. And if you have had positive experiences seeking and receiving counseling, let others know about it. We have to remove the stigma and start the conversation. That’s why I’m launching a video series encouraging leaders throughout the Department of the Navy to speak up about their experiences with mental health counseling. You will see these videos, starting with my own, on Navy and Marine Corps social media pages in the coming weeks. 6. I have discussed this video series at recent gatherings with uniformed and civilian leaders from across the Navy and Marine Corps, and I hope you’ll take the time to tell your story as well. Your example may encourage a shipmate to get the help they need. So let’s lead the way. Tell your story, and I’ll tell mine. Together we can end the silence, and begin the healing. Thank you. 7. Released by the Honorable Thomas W. Harker, Acting Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior military adviser to the president, said Monday he is now open to a proposal that would take decisions on sexual assault prosecutions out of commanders' hands, AP reports.

The app is the new RTM home for the culinary specialist, culinary specialist submarine, legalman, logistics specialist, logistics specialist submarine, mass communication specialist, musician, personnel specialist, religious programs specialist, retail services specialist, yeoman and yeoman submarine ratings, allowing for studying on the go, without a CAC card or an internet connection. The app also hosts non-resident training courses (NRTCs) including customer service, Educational Services Officer, Enlisted Aide, Postal Operations, Navy Official Mail and Instructional theory, which is used by all instructors throughout the fleet. App features include a resources link in every RTM to their respective rating Navy COOL site, contact information for feedback and emergency support, and the ability to receive credit for the completed course directly into their Electronic Training Jacket by entering their DODID number rather than completing the course via Navy eLearning. Another key feature for the app is it serves as the host for up-to-date versions of the RTMs and NRTCs. By moving to a digital format, the app allows CSS to work with type commanders and fleet subject matter experts (SME) to change content as needed and deliver updates to the fleet faster. “We are continuing positive movement and growth in the 21st century for how our Sailors will be preparing for their advancement exams,” said Capt. Milton W. Troy III, CSS commanding officer. “Early fleet estimates have us at more than 32,000 Sailors who will be effected through this new app. This shows how wide a scope we are dealing with. Something this major will have a direct and immediate impact for Sailors throughout the fleet and the knowledge they will have in becoming well-crafted in their respective fields.” Creation for the app began in September 2019, with more than five months of testing conducted by CSS staff and fleet SMEs designed to help achieve maximum functionality, review the app’s content and examine the user interface. “The effort taken by everyone involved in the creation of this app cannot be measured,” said Ray Paradis, CSS program manager for Non-Resident Training Courses, Personnel Qualification Standards, Occupational Standards and Learning and Development Roadmaps. “Countless man-hours have been put in to ensure this contains the best possible material. The Sailor conducting the tasks in these manuals on a daily basis are who is going to use this app and each one of them deserves the highest-quality work we can possibly provide.” The app was designed in coordination with the MyNavy HR IT Solutions – (Mobility Program) and Tracen Technologies. The app can be downloaded at the Navy App Locker, Google Play or iOS App stores using the keyword “CSS NRTC.”

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 302043Z APR 21 MID200000813095U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV SECNAV WASHINGTON DC ZEN/CNO WASHINGTON DC ZEN/CMC WASHINGTON DC ZEN/CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 032/21 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/APR// SUBJ/UPDATE TO DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY HEALTH PROTECTION CONDITION POLICIES// RMKS/1. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, IMMUNIZED SAILORS AND MARINES WILL BE SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL RESTRICTIONS NO HIGHER THAN THOSE CORRESPONDING TO HEALTH PROTECTION CONDITION (HPCON) B, REGARDLESS OF THE HPCON STATUS OF THE INSTALLATION TO WHICH THEY ARE ASSIGNED. FURTHER, RECENT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE GUIDANCE WILL ALLOW MANY INSTALLATIONS TO TRANSITION FROM HPCON C TO HPCON B WHERE APPLICABLE, THOSE CHANGES WILL BE IMMEDIATE. 2. SAILORS AND MARINES HAVE MADE MANY SACRIFICES TO PROTECT THEIR COMMUNITIES, THEIR FELLOW SERVICE MEMBERS, AND THEMSELVES DURING THE PANDEMIC, AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE DEDICATION ALL OF YOU HAVE SHOWN IN THIS FIGHT. PLEASE REMEMBER THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19 IS FAR FROM OVER AND CONDITIONS WORLDWIDE ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING. YOUR BEHAVIOR ON LIBERTY AND THE RESPONSIBILITY YOU DEMONSTRATE MUST AT ALL TIMES REFLECT THE PROFESSIONALISM OF OUR FORCE AND AN ALERT RECOGNITION OF THE THREAT THAT REMAINS. WE WILL CONTINUE TO REVISE POLICIES AS CONDITIONS CHANGE. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES HAVE DONE SO FAR TO GET US TO THIS POINT. 3. RELEASED BY THE HONORABLE THOMAS W. HARKER, ACTING SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.// BT #3932 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

Shift Colors Magazine

A new bipartisan bill hopes to ease military service members' path towards student loan forgiveness, Yahoo Finance has learned. “Service members take enormous risks to protect our freedoms, and it is unacceptable that members of the military can return home after active duty and not be any closer to receiving loan forgiveness,” Senator Hassan said in a statement provided to Yahoo Finance. “This bipartisan bill is a commonsense fix to help some of our country’s most deserving public servants get out from under the burden of their student debt more quickly.”

LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB) — A Command Senior Chief serving at Naval Support Activity Panama City is accused of sexually abusing a child. Dwayne M. Gordon, 40, was arrested this week after the girl told investigators he molested her multiple times at a Lynn Haven home. According to an arrest affidavit, Gordon encouraged the teenager to sleep in his bed and then raped and molested her. Gordon is charged with sexual battery on a victim between 12 to 18 years old. The investigation was conducted by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Naval Criminal Investigation Services at Naval Support Activity Panama City.

A decade after the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy ended, one of Naval aviation’s handful of openly gay pilots is on his way out. The Marines substantiated his claims of harassment, after an incident following a West Coast Marine Corps Ball. It wasn’t enough to save his career.

Back in October 2015, Adele soared to the top of the pop charts with the song “Hello,” and then-Vice President Joe Biden confirmed he would not be running for president the following year. It was also the last month that the hapless fast-attack submarine Boise was out on patrol. The boat was supposed to head into maintenance back then, but an unending backlog in availabilities meant the sub had to wait … and wait … and wait.

CHICAGO (Tribune News Service) — A scathing independent report on last fall’s COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home that led to 36 deaths details systemic mismanagement from the top of the Illinois Veterans Affairs department down to the home’s leadership, which created an “inefficient, reactive and chaotic” response to controlling the virus. The 50-page report from the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General and the law firm of Armstrong Teasdale, released Friday, says then-VA Director Linda Chapa LaVia “abdicated” her responsibilities, leaving things to a nonmedical chief of staff who preferred to let each home manage itself while issuing rules contradictory to health guidelines and failing to seek outside help as the outbreak grew.

PEARL HARBOR -- Capt. Michael Majewski, commander, Submarine Squadron 7 (CSS-7), relieved Cmdr. Joseph Lautenslager as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) on April 27, due to a loss of confidence in his ability to serve as commanding officer. A command investigation revealed leadership and command climate problems, which caused Majewski to lose confidence in Cmdr. Lautenslager’s ability to perform as commanding officer. Cmdr. Christopher Hedrick, deputy commander of CSS-7, has assumed command of Charlotte until a permanent replacement is named. Commanding officers are held to a very high standard. Their position requires the utmost responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable in cases where they fall short of those standards.

The first US Navy warfighting vessels to be armed with hypersonic missiles will be the stealth Zumwalt-class destroyers, the service's top admiral said, according to USNI News. Although the Navy was expected to field hypersonic weaponry on its cruise-missile submarines first, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said at a Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments event Tuesday that the service intends to start with the Zumwalts.

Apr 2021 Sailor to Sailor Newsletter

SAN DIEGO (Tribune News Service) — A man who was shot and killed Saturday after answering an early morning knock at the door of his La Mesa apartment was an active duty Navy petty officer from South Carolina, according to La Mesa police and Navy officials. Corneilius Donte Brown, 22, was an aviation ordnanceman 3rd class assigned to the San Diego-based aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, according to Navy spokesman Brian O'Rourke.

Torpedoman’s Mate 1st Class Raymond Gates, assigned Naval Submarine Support Facility, Regional Support Group in Groton, Connecticut was selected for the award amongst three recognized finalists. Gates, who hails from Chester, Pennsylvania, serves as the Ordnance Service Division Leading Petty Officer (LPO) and administrative assistant. As LPO, he effectively manages day-to-day administrative aspects for six divisions and their safety programs, ensuring the command’s mission is top priority. Each finalist selected represents the highest level of standard from their respected commands, but Gates stood out from his peers in a highly competitive selection process. Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, Submarine Forces, praised the Sailors for their efforts throughout the year. “All of the Sailors demonstrated personal excellence and exemplary character both on and off duty,” Caudle said. “Their high standards, technical competency, and superb performance made the selection process extremely challenging. My heartfelt congratulations and well done to all of the finalists who competed.” Other finalists for the award included: Yeoman 1st Class (submarine) Suraya Mattocks, Commander, Submarine Group Eight; Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ashley Berumen, Commander, Submarine Group Ten; and Information Systems Technician 1st Class Corinna Ramos, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic headquarters. Gates will represent COMSUBLANT in the 2020 U.S. Fleet Forces Command Sailor of the Year competition later this month. Sailor of the Year selection is a prestigious honor and recognizes Sailors who embody sustained superior performance, command impact, proven leadership, and the Navy’s core values. The time-honored tradition was introduced in 1972 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet. This annual competition is held to recognize superior performance of individual Sailors who best exemplify the ideals of professional Sailor throughout the fleet. The mission of the Submarine Force is to execute the Department of the Navy’s mission in and from the undersea domain. In addition to lending added capacity to naval forces, the Submarine Force, in particular, is expected to leverage those special advantages that come with undersea concealment to permit operational, deterrent and combat effects that the Navy and the nation could not otherwise achieve. The Submarine Force and supporting organizations constitute the primary undersea arm of the Navy. Submarines and their crews remain the tip of the undersea spear.

UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 271843Z APR 21 MID200000801370U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 031/21 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/APR// SUBJ/MILITARY SERVICE BY TRANSGENDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA INTERIM GUIDANCE// REF/A/EXECUTIVE ORDER/PRESIDENT/25JAN21// REF/B/MEMO/SECDEF/29JAN21// REF/C/DOC/SECDEF/DODI 1300.28/31MAR21// REF/D/DOC/SECDEF/DODI 6130.03 VOL 1/31MAR21// REF/E/DOC/SECNAV/SECNAVINST 1000.11/4NOV16// REF/F/ALNAV/SECNAV/18MAR19// REF/G/MEMO/SECNAV/01JUL2015// REF/H/MEMO/ASN(M&RA)/12NOV20// REF/I/MEMO/ASN(M&RA)/28JAN21// NARR/REF A IS EXECUTIVE ORDER (EO) 14004 ENABLING ALL QUALIFIED AMERICANS TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY IN UNIFORM. REF B IS MEMO FROM SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, MILITARY SERVICE BY TRANSGENDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA. REF C IS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INSTRUCTION (DODI) 1300.28, IN-SERVICE TRANSITION FOR TRANSGENDER SERVICE MEMBERS. REF D IS DODI 6130.03 VOL 1, MEDICAL STANDARDS FOR MILITARY SERVICE: APPOINTMENT, ENLISTMENT, OR INDUCTION. REF E IS SECRETARY OF THE NAVY INSTRUCTION 1000.11, SERVICE OF TRANSGENDER SAILORS AND MARINES. REF F IS ALNAV 022/19, MILITARY SERVICE BY TRANSGENDER PERSONS AND PERSONS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA INTERIM GUIDANCE (HEREBY CANCELLED). REF G IS MEMO FROM SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, FORWARDING OF CERTAIN SEPARATIONS TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY (MANPOWER AND RESERVE AFFAIRS) (ASN(M&RA)FOR DECISION (HEREBY CANCELLED). REF H IS MEMO FROM ASN(M&RA), SEPARATION AUTHORITY FOR MEMBERS WITH A HISTORY OR DIAGNOSIS OF GENDER DYSPHORIA (HEREBY CANCELLED). REF I IS MEMO FROM ASN(M&RA), IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EO ENABLING ALL QUALIFIED AMERICANS TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY IN UNIFORM (HEREBY CANCELLED).// RMKS/1. The Commander in Chief issued guidance in reference (a), establishing changes to standards for accession, retention, separation, in- service transition, and medical care for transgender persons and persons with gender dysphoria seeking entrance into or currently serving in the Military Services. In accordance with reference (b), effective 30 April 2021, these changes apply to all Department of the Navy (DON) military personnel, including those serving in the Reserve Components. Until DON policies and procedures are updated, reference (c) and this All Navy (ALNAV) message take precedence. 2. Consistent with policies and procedures set forth in reference (a) and (b), all transgender persons who wish to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States and can meet the appropriate standards shall be able to do so openly and free from discrimination. The DON remains committed to treating all persons with dignity and respect. No person, solely on the basis of gender identity, will be denied accession, involuntarily separated or discharged, denied reenlistment or continuation of service, or subjected to adverse action or mistreatment. 3. Reference (d) establishes physical and medical standards for appointment, enlistment, or induction into the Military Services for transgender persons. 4. Reference (e) remains in effect, but where it conflicts with reference (c), reference (c) takes precedence. 5. Real Life Experience (RLE) Exception to Policy: a. Reference (c) allows each Military Department and Service to issue policy regarding the application of RLE, including RLE in an on-duty status before gender marker change in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) shall establish policies and procedures in accordance with enclosure (2) of reference (e). 6. Policy and Procedure Updates: a. The ASN(M&RA) will ensure all DON issuances, as necessary, are reviewed and updated to be consistent with references (c) and (d). b. The CNO and the CMC will update all Service-level issuances, as necessary, to be consistent with references (c) and (d) and DON-level issuance updates, once released. c. References (f), (g), (h), and (i) are all hereby cancelled. 7. The CNO and CMC will ensure all Navy and Marine Corps personnel, respectively, are educated and informed of updated policy and procedures pertaining to military service by transgender persons and persons with gender dysphoria. 8. Points of Contact. Questions regarding this ALNAV should be directed to Navy or Marine Corps Service Central Coordination Cells (SCCC): a. Navy SCCC: Comm: (703) 604-5084 or e-mail: usn_navy_sccc@navy.mil. b. Marine Corps SCCC: Comm: (703) 784-9386, DSN: 278-9386 or e-mail: usmc.sccc@usmc.mil. 9. Released by the Honorable Thomas W. Harker, Acting Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Navy ship fired warning shots near three Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps boats in the Persian Gulf after the vessels approached at close range and ignored repeated appeals to pull back, the Navy said Tuesday. It was the second tense encounter at sea in less than a month, after about a year of no such incidents, and it coincided with high-stakes negotiations between Iran and world powers over its nuclear program.

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On April 2, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) Harth 55, accompanied by three fast attack craft (FAC)/fast inshore attack craft (FIAC), approached U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) and USCGC Monomoy (WPB 1326) while the U.S. vessels were conducting routine maritime security patrols in the international waters of the southern Arabian Gulf.