USS Momsen (DDG 92) and its embarked helicopter detachment recently provided assistance at sea to Motor Vessel
Lehmann Timber.
Lehmann Timber experienced a main engine casualty, leaving it unable to operate at sea. Assigned to Combined Task
Force (CTF) 150, Momsen is providing food and water to the motor vessel until a tug arrives to tow the Lehmann
Timber to Salalah, Oman where it will undergo repairs.
The sea state in the area is currently 12-15 feet, with winds in excess of 30 knots. Momsen will remain on scene and
will continue to provide requested assistance until the tug arrives.
The crew of Lehmann Timber, recently released by pirates, is reported to be in good condition. Coalition forces have
a long-standing tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing assistance, such as food, water and rescues at
sea. This marks the third time during the past month coalition ships have rendered assistance in the Arabian Sea to
ships in need.
CTF 150, currently led by Canada, is comprised of warships from numerous coalition nations including France, Germany,
Pakistan, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States and is responsible for conducting Maritime Security
Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic
prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent
extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
Momsen is home ported in Everett and is deployed to region as part of the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group. The ship’s
embarked helicopter detachment, Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47, is based at Naval Air Station
North Island in San Deigo, Calif.