IRANIAN GULF ABOARD USS BELLEAU WOOD

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(21 Dec 1998) English/Nat • • As the United States and Britain vow to maintain a military presence in the Gulf, crewmen on board the USS Belleau Wood are preparing for Christmas away from their families. • • The two thousand crew on the small aircraft carrier aren't due home until mid-February. • • They say while it's hard to be away from relatives during the holiday season, they keep busy writing letters and stay in touch on the Internet. • • Although the USS Belleau Wood hasn't been yet been directly involved in military action in the Gulf, its two-thousand strong crew are on continual stand-by. • • The amphibious assault ship, or small aircraft carrier, acts as a take-off point for Harrier jets, as well as military helicopters. • • Aircraft maintenance work is carried out on the vessel, with its crew all members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. • • Highly trained in search and rescue operations as a quick response team, they've been in the Gulf for six weeks, after being diverted from Japan. • • They were due to be home for Christmas. • • SOUNDBITE: (English) • It's been kind of tough on guys - they've wanted to get home to their families over the holiday season - it was expected, but things changed. On the other hand, we're proud to be out here serving our country. • SUPER CAPTION: Major Jerry Szewczyssai, USS Belleau Wood • • The ship's command has made some effort to brighten up the aircraft carrier for the festive season and is planning a special meal on Christmas Day. • • While accommodation isn't as comfortable as on shore, servicemen say they're trying to make the most of it. • • SOUNDBITE: (English) • You miss your family, you miss the personal contact, but letters and everything are great. • SUPER CAPTION: Corporal Patrick Foster, USS Belleau Wood • • When not writing letters home or using the Internet to stay in touch, computer games are another way of passing the time. • • The crew on board the USS Belleau Wood are now not due home until mid-February. • • Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork • Twitter: / ap_archive • Facebook: / aparchives • Instagram: / apnews • • • You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...

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