Arabian Gulf (June 25, 2002) -- The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Cushing (DD 985) conducts an inspection of a merchant vessel suspected of transporting illegal cargo. Boarding teams have been conducting Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) to search for contraband cargo aboard merchant ships in the area, in support of UN sanctions against Iraq under Operation Southern Watch, while serving additional duties to combat terrorism in support of Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographerâs Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg. (RELEASED)