US warship polishes its guns for the press

Berthed idly at the Grand Harbour, the USS Barry (DDG-52) may seem harmless but the ship is always on the alert with guns at the ready to act against a terrorist attack.

The guided missile destroyer arrived on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet, a historic US Navy goodwill voyage around the world that included a stop in Malta in 1909.

The press were yesterday given a tour by the ship's executive officer, Lt. Commander David Bauer, who pointed out items and equipment of interest while providing a commentary on every section of the ship.

Commander Douglas L. Edson said the USS Barry was built 17 years ago and was the second of its class to be built. The ship has spent the last five months in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea conducting operations as part of its duties in the Sixth Fleet.

The ship's deck was bustling with activity as crew members touched up the vessel's paintwork or cleaned the deck.

The USS Barry boasts a five-inch/54-caliber (Mk 45) naval artillery lightweight deck gun, a Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) intended to automatically shoot down incoming air threats, and two Vertical Launching System missile magazines, which are capable of launching cruise missiles.

Even docked, some of the ship's smaller guns are mounted and kept ready. Mounted automatic machineguns line the ship's sides in case of a terrorist attack on the vessel.

The Mess hall, where the crew eat their meals, is lined with banners made by family members, showing that even when far from home, the sailors are not far from the thoughts of their loved ones.

Each bore colourful messages such as "Love you!" and "Missing you lots", as well as pictures and photographs.

One table stood out from the rest. Perpetually laid with silver cutlery, the table was dedicated to sailors and soldiers who were prisoners of war or missing in action.

Each item on the table has particular symbolic significance, such as the salt, and a slice of lemon on the plate. The table stands as a sad tribute to those sailors and soldiers who, for some reason, never made it back.

The fire control room is considerably different. Dark, shadowy and largely illuminated by the numerous computer screens, it was described as the command centre of the entire ship, the room from which the captain gives commands and directs operations during combat situations.

Crew members from USS Barry are planning to stay active throughout their visit and some have already been busy carrying out voluntary work around Malta, the US Embassy said. More voluntary work is planned until the ship departs on Friday. During its port visit, the USS Barry will commemorate the historic Great White Fleet event with a number of activities, including a reception hosted by US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro and Rear Admiral Joe Leidig, US Sixth Fleet deputy commander, in honour of Maltese dignitaries.