Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
Recognizing Courage: Boatswain’s Mate Ahmed El Haroun’s Role in Anti-Piracy Efforts
At the recent Surface Navy Association conference in the Washington area, Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Ahmed El Haroun stood out among fellow sailors, adorned in his “cracker jack” dress blues complemented by a uniquely crafted white lanyard, a symbol of his accomplishments during his first deployment aboard the USS Mason. This deployment came in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, which significantly escalated tensions in the region.
El Haroun was recently honored with the Surface Warfare Operational Excellence Award for his brave actions during a Somali pirate attack on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden. His involvement in this critical mission not only received media attention for Mason’s intervention but also highlighted El Haroun’s unique cultural insights, which played a significant role in the rescue operation.
Currently stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, El Haroun recounted his extraordinary experience with Military Times. His adept communication skills and leadership were pivotal in the successful apprehension of five pirates and the liberation of the 22 hostages aboard the tanker.
Originally hailing from the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, El Haroun moved to the United States as an adult. His journey into the Navy began after witnessing firsthand the medical care provided to his newborn son at Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego. The experience ignited a desire to give back to the community that supported his family during a difficult time.
After some initial hesitation about joining the Navy, particularly given his background and status as a non-citizen, El Haroun embraced the idea. He pursued an enlisted role, determined to become a boatswain’s mate, a position that appealed to his affinity for practical work and teamwork.
While preparing for the deployment, which coincided with the outbreak of violence stemming from the Hamas attacks, El Haroun proactively ensured the ship was equipped with necessary parts for potential repairs, demonstrating foresight and leadership within his crew.
The pivotal moment arrived on November 24, 2023, when pirates launched an assault on the chemical tanker M/V Central Park. As the USS Mason raced to the scene during a replenishment mission, El Haroun was swiftly reassigned to a critical role in the ship’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) unit due to his language fluency and cultural knowledge.
Approaching the pirates’ vessel, El Haroun utilized a megaphone to broadcast commands in Arabic, asserting U.S. Navy authority. The pirates ignored his orders, compelling El Haroun to take a more aggressive stance, leveraging his understanding of Middle Eastern communication dynamics.
As he engaged the pirates, El Haroun positioned himself protectively for his crew, ensuring safety throughout the confrontation. He managed to demystify the pirates, revealing them as individuals with complex backgrounds and reducing the tension that characterized the standoff.
After the apprehension and securing of the pirates, El Haroun continued as their translator throughout their detention on Mason, which lasted 30 days, before they were handed over to U.S. Marines to face further proceedings.
Simultaneously, El Haroun had to contend with other dangers throughout the deployment, including missile threats from Houthi rebels. His ability to support his fellow sailors during these harrowing times further underscores his leadership qualities, as he sought to alleviate their concerns over ongoing missile attacks.
Reflecting on his mission, El Haroun expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, emphasizing the honor he felt in safeguarding lives and preserving the integrity of the tanker. He aspires to further his career in the Navy, with intentions of transitioning to an intelligence officer role, leveraging his linguistic skills for national security interests.
Source
www.yahoo.com