HMAS Mermaid (A02)

Survey Motor Launch HMAS Mermaid (A02). (Foto: RAN)

HMAS Mermaid (A02)

Survey Motor Launch HMAS Mermaid (A02). (Foto: RAN)

HMAS Mermaid (A02)

Survey Motor Launch HMAS Mermaid (A02). (Foto: RAN)

HMAS Mermaid (A02)

Survey Motor Launch HMAS Mermaid (A02). (Foto: RAN)

HMAS Mermaid (A02)

Survey Motor Launch HMAS Mermaid (A02). (Foto: RAN)

HMAS Mermaid (A02)

Views of HMAS Mermaid (A02) from Possession Island, north of Cape Yorke Peninsula. (Foto: RAN)

HMAS Mermaid (A02)

Survey Motor Launch HMAS Mermaid at sea during Minor War Vessel Concentration Period. The Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army have tested their collective metal in a major exercise near Darwin. The second Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period of 2011 has concluded after a week of joint-service-in -company-training in the Northern Australian Exercise area. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Betano (L 133)

Landing Craft Heavy, HMAS Betano (L 133) launches an Army Lighter, Amphibious Resupply Cargo (LARC) during Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period. The Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army have tested their collective metal in a major exercise near Darwin. The second Minor War Vessel Fleet Concentration Period of 2011 has concluded after a week of joint-service-in -company-training in the Northern Australian Exercise area. (Photo: RAN)

HMAS Labuan (L 128)

HMAS Labuan beaches at Turtle Beach, Cairns during a simulated hostile exercise for the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period. Mid Caption: The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period was held 30 May - 3 Jun 11 in waters off Cairns. During the week long exercise, HMA Ships Launceston, Brunei, Labuan, Wewak, Shepparton and Benalla practiced a range of skills, with escalating levels of difficulty to challenge their capabilities. Squirrel and A109E Augusta helicopters operated by 723 Squadron took part in the exercise, enabling the ship's companies to test their aviation skills. (Photo: Australia DoD)

HMAS Labuan (L 128)

HMAS Labuan (L 128), approaches Turtle Beach in Cairns to conduct a beach landing as a part of a training exercise during the Minor War Vessel Concentration Period. The Minor War Vessel Concentration Period was held 30 May - 3 Jun 11 in waters off Cairns. During the week long exercise, HMA Ships Launceston, Brunei, Labuan, Wewak, Shepparton and Benalla practiced a range of skills, with escalating levels of difficulty to challenge their capabilities. Squirrel and A109E Augusta helicopters operated by 723 Squadron took part in the exercise, enabling the ship's companies to test their aviation skills. (Photo: RAN)

USCGC Tampa (WMEC 902)

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Tampa (WMEC 902) transits the Hudson River during the parade of ships for Fleet Week 2011. Fleet Week has been New York City's celebration of the sea services since 1984. It is an opportunity for citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see first-hand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric S. Garst/Released)

USCGC Cuttyhunk (WPB-1322)

The guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) gets underway for the Parade of Ships during the 62nd annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week as the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Cuttyhunk (WPB 1322) transits nearby. Seafair activities allow U.S. and Canadian sailors and Coast Guard personnel to experience the local community and to promote awareness of the maritime forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Kane/Released)

USCGC Oak (WLB 211)

The United States Coast Guard sea-going buoy tender USCGC Oak (WLB 211) gets underway from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba. Oak was at GTMO to perform repairs and maintenance on the naval station's navigational buoys. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released

USCGC Dallas (WHEC 716)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) arrives in Souda Harbor to pick up supplies Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. Dallas will transport supplies transport as part of the humanitarian assistance for the Republic of Georgia following the conflict between Russian and Georgian forces. The assistance will aid in alleviating human suffering in the Republic of Georgia. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released)

USCGC Dallas (WHEC 716)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) heads to sea with a load of supplies. The supplies are part of the humanitarian assistance for the Republic of Georgia following the conflict between Russian and Georgian forces. The assistance will aid in alleviating human suffering in the Republic of Georgia. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released)

USCGC Sherman (WHEC 720)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sherman (WHEC 720) leaves the White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa pier to begin its participation in exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) 2006. SEACAT is a weeklong at-sea exercise designed to highlight the value of information sharing and multi-national coordination with participating navies during practical maritime interception training opportunities. USCGS Sherman is homeported in Alameda, Calif. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Journalist Melinda Larson

USCGC Tampa (WMEC 902)

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Tampa (WMEC 902) passes near Ft. Monroe in Hampton, Va., as she makes her way out to the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jason R. Zalasky)

USCGC Bear (WMEC-901)

A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bear (WMEC-901) pulls into Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to take on fuel and stores, March 2. Bear is deployed to conduct counter narco-terrorism and migrant operations in the Caribbean region. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is the logistical hub for all U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army and Allied vessels and aviation platforms operating in the U.S. 4th Fleet's Caribbean region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Elisha Dawkins)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

The CGC Boutwell transits home to Alameda, Calif., after a two-month long Eastern-Pacific patrol. The 378-foot long, high endurance cutter's missions include law enforcement, migrant interdiction and search and rescue. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Swanson)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

The CGC Boutwell transits home to Alameda, Calif., after a two-month long Eastern-Pacific patrol. The 378-foot long, high endurance cutter's missions include law enforcement, migrant interdiction and search and rescue. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Swanson)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell, stationed in Alameda, Calif., transfers over custody of the Lu Rong Yu 6007 fishing vessel to the Chinese Fisheries Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) here on Thursday. The crew from the Boutwell boarded the vessel while deployed as U.S. Coast Guard representatives in the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum (NPCGF). This six-nation forum consisting of China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Russia, and the U.S., was developed to prevent high seas drift net fishing as well as illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Jonathan R. Cilley)

P-103

An Iraqi Navy coastal patrol boat is moored to a pier at Umm Qasr, south port terminal in Basra, Iraq. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andre N. McIntyre/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship EX-USS Missouri (BB 63) returns to Ford Island after finishing scheduled repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Missouri underwent three months and $18 million of preservation and maintenance repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship EX-USS Missouri (BB 63) returns to Ford Island after finishing scheduled repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Missouri underwent three months and $18 million of preservation and maintenance repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship EX-USS Missouri (BB 63) is being undocked by Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers to begin its 2-mile journey back to Ford Island. (U.S. Navy photo by Machinist's Mate Fireman Dustan Longhini/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship Ex-USS Missouri (BB 63) returns to Ford Island after finishing scheduled repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Missouri underwent three months and $18 million of preservation and maintenance repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship Ex-USS Missouri (BB 63) returns to Ford Island after finishing scheduled repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Missouri underwent three months and $18 million of preservation and maintenance repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship EX-USS Missouri (BB 63) returns to Ford Island after finishing scheduled repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Missouri underwent three months and $18 million of preservation and maintenance repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship EX-USS Missouri (BB 63) begins its 2-mile journey back to Ford Island after being undocked by hundreds of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard workers. (U.S. Navy photo by Machinist's Mate Fireman Dustan Longhini/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) arrives at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to begin a three-month, $18 million effort of extensive maintenance and preservation work. Missouri is the last battleship made by the U.S., and was the site of Japan's unconditional surrender ending World War II. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Mark Logico/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) arrives at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to begin a three-month, $18 million effort of extensive maintenance and preservation work. Missouri is the last battleship made by the U.S., and was the site of Japan's unconditional surrender ending World War II. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Mark Logico/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) arrives at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to begin a three-month, $18 million effort of extensive maintenance and preservation work. Missouri is the last battleship made by the U.S., and was the site of Japan's unconditional surrender ending World War II. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Mark Logico/Released)

USS Missouri (BB 63)

The decommissioned battleship USS Missouri (BB 63) is illuminated by the setting sun during a tribute ceremony for retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate Harold B. Estes. More than 200 guests paid tribute to Estes, who after retiring from the Navy in 1955, has received numerous awards from the Secretary of the Navy for public service and involvement in the Sea Services. Estes is also known for helping to bring the Missouri and USS Bowfin (SS 287) to Pearl Harbor as floating museums. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class William R. Goodwin)

USCGC Taney (WHEC-37)

The Coast Guard Cutter Taney hosts a memorial ceremony Dec. 7, 2009, commemorating the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack Dec. 7, 1941. Out of the 101 U.S. fighting ships present in Hawaiian waters on the day of the attack, the Taney is the only one afloat today. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert Brazzell)

USCGC Gallatin (WHEC 721)

The Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin sits pier side Friday morning March 20, 2009 as the crew prepares to bring it into dry dock for needed repairs. The Coast GuardÕs Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic Area awarded a ship repair contract to a Charleston shipyard to conduct extensive repair work to the cutters Dallas and Gallatin. The shipyard will address areas of significant deterioration in the hull structures, bulkheads and decks, machinery foundations, and others ship systems. Late last year Coast Guard inspectors and technical experts found extensive structural and habitability deficiencies on both ships that were so bad the ships were temporarily taken offline. These repairs will restore watertight and structural integrity to areas of the ships suffering from excessive corrosion. Additional work to other areas and systems will allow the ships to return to full operation. (Coast Guard photo/ PA1 Bobby Nash)

USCGC Aspen (WLB 208)

The Coast Guard Cutter Aspen, a 225-foot buoy tender homeported in San Francisco, conducts a security patrol while the USS Carl Vinson sailed in formation for the Fleet Week Parade of Ships, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. Fleet Week is a week long event that celebrates both the domestic and international maritime services. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Aspen is the eighth cutter built in the new Juniper Class Sea Going Buoy Tender fleet. She was built at Marinette Marine Corp in 2000-2001, launched on April 21, 2001, accepted by the Coast Guard on September 28, 2001, and commissioned on January 24, 2002. ASPEN is one of the most technologically advanced cutters in the Coast Guard fleet. Aspen is homeported in San Francisco, Ca. Her crew compliment is 34 enlisted and 7 officers. ASPEN is responsible for over 100 aids in her area of responsibility, stretching from the Oregon-California border down south to San Diego. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Johnson)

USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717)

Coast Guard Cutter Mellon (WHEC 717) a 378 feet high endurance cutter patrols the waters of off Kodiak Alaska. MELLON is the third of the Coast Guard's Hamilton class High Endurance Cutters. MELLON was commissioned in 1968 at Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans. MELLON was named after Andrew W. Mellon, the 49th Secretary of the Treasury, who served during the administration of President Herbert Hoover, from 1921-1932. Her first homeport for many years was Honolulu, Hawaii, but in the early 90's MELLON transferred to Seattle, Washington. (USCG photo by PA1 Keith Alholm)

USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717)

Coast Guard Cutter Mellon (WHEC 717) a 378 feet high endurance cutter patrols the waters of off Kodiak Alaska. MELLON is the third of the Coast Guard's Hamilton class High Endurance Cutters. MELLON was commissioned in 1968 at Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans. MELLON was named after Andrew W. Mellon, the 49th Secretary of the Treasury, who served during the administration of President Herbert Hoover, from 1921-1932. Her first homeport for many years was Honolulu, Hawaii, but in the early 90's MELLON transferred to Seattle, Washington. (USCG photo by PA1 Keith Alholm)

USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726)

USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726) on anti-terrorism patrol in Elliott Bay, near the Space Needle, and the Seattle, Washington Skyline. (Photo by Scott Dittberner)

USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726)

History of the USCGC Midgett VESSEL HISTORY USCGC MIDGETT is the twelfth and last of the Coast Guard's fleet of 378 foot High Endurance Cutters. She is the third in her class (HERO) to be named for outstanding Coast Guardsmen. Her namesake, the late Chief Boatswain John Allen MIDGETT, Jr. was born in 1876 in Rodanthe, North Carolina and served for nearly forty years with the U.S. Lifesaving Service and the Coast Guard. (U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO)

USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726)

-History of the USCGC Midgett VESSEL HISTORY USCGC MIDGETT is the twelfth and last of the Coast Guard's fleet of 378 foot High Endurance Cutters. She is the third in her class (HERO) to be named for outstanding Coast Guardsmen. Her namesake, the late Chief Boatswain John Allen MIDGETT, Jr. was born in 1876 in Rodanthe, North Carolina and served for nearly forty years with the U.S. Lifesaving Service and the Coast Guard. (U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO)

USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726)

USCGC Midgett (WHEC-726) on anti-terrorism patrol in Elliott Bay, framed by the Space Needle, and the Seattle, Washington Skyline. (Photo by Scott Dittberner, USCGAUX)

USCGC Waesche (WMSL-751)

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche transits toward its new homeport at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Feb. 28, 2010. The Waesche is the second of eight scheduled national security cutters. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Levi Read)

USCGC Waesche (WMSL-751)

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche transits through San Francisco Bay toward its new homeport at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Feb. 28, 2010. The Waesche is the second of eight planned national security cutters. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Levi Read)

USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750)

The U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Bertholf, based in Alameda, Calif., maneuvers through Elliot Bay to the Port of Seattle to participate in the 60th annual Seattle Seafair. Fleet Week activities afford the opportunity for U.S. and Canadian Sailors and Coast Guard personnel to experience what the local community has to offer as well as promote awareness of the maritime forces through tours and presentations.

USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750)

The crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf prepares to navigate through the Gastineau Channel prior to mooring in Juneau April 10, 2011. The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf is beginning the cutter’s second patrol and first patrol in Alaskan waters. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn)

USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750)

The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf navigates through Southeast Alaska during its first Alaskan patrol April 12, 2011. The Bertholf is the Coast Guard's first National Security cutter and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and capabilities demanded by operational forces to meet the full spectrum of 21st century maritime homeland security, maritime safety, law enforcement and maritime national defense mission requirements. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn)

USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750)

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf pulls back into its homeport, Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, at Coast Guard Island in Alameda after a 90-day Eastern Pacific patrol. During the patrol, the crew of the Bertholf intercepted 12,400 kilos of cocaine valued at nearly $400 million. The Bertholf's return to homeport reunited the crew with their families and loved ones in time for the holidays. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Caleb Critchfield)

USCGC Bertholf (WMSL 750)

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf and the Russian Federal Security Service frigate Vorovsky sail west for a joint effort April 21, 2011. The crews of the two ships are participating in a cultural exchange sharing training and best practices for several types of missions. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Francis)

JS Hyuga (DDH 181)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga (DDH 181) prepares to turn from a formation of U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships during Annual Exercise 2011. Annual Exercise is a bi-lateral field training exercise designed to practice and evaluate the coordination procedures and interoperability elements required to respond to the defense of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam K. Thomas/Released)