At sea aboard USS Cushing (DD 985) Jun. 27, 2002 -- The âSpruanceâ class destroyer steams toward a merchant vessel suspected of carrying illegal cargo in the Arabian Gulf. Boarding teams have been conducting Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) to search for contraband cargo aboard merchant ships in the area. Cushing is conducting missions in support of UN sanctions against Iraq in accordance with Operation Southern Watch, while serving to combat terrorism in support of Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographerâs Mate 2nd Class Michael Sandberg. (RELEASED)
