spective positions without delay. Every sailor on the ship has his or her own specific task to perform. From monitoring radars, maintaining communication, performing weapon checks to damage control. There are many others as well, each one as important as the next. Each crew member is extremely acquainted with their task. The Captain runs one or two false alarm drills a week. There are a verity a drills to practice. Including fire, man overboard and GQ to name a few. Their ultimate mission is keeping the ship afloat at any cost. Marines on board muster in their respective berthing areas, remain calm and let the sailors carry out their duties. Berthing areas are simply what the Navy refers living quarters. After a brief amount of time the skipper came up over the loud speakers. He informed us that this was not a drill at all but an actual warning. He went on with a brief situation report. Informing us of a surface to air missile site located on the Southern coast of Iraq. This SAM site had turned toward our ship and obtained a radar lock on us. Captain ----- informed us that he had contacted the aircraft carrier in direct support us. Notifying them of our situation and asking for their assistance in neutralizing the immediate threat. Meanwhile, in our berthing area we were discussing (the irony) how at one moment in time you can feel safe and secure like nothing can touch you. Then at the flip of a switch you are praying to God and hoping that someone will come to your rescue.
             (3) In the war room aboard the aircraft carrier the Captain issued the order to launch two F-18's that were on five minute strip alert. The pilots quickly climbed aboard their fighters and prepared for our rescue. I can imagine the adrenaline accelerating throughout their bodies as they preformed their preflight checks. Fully loaded and ready for any
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