Local fishermen, aboard the small dhow, cast mooring lines to the members of the Vessel Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Team.

Gulf of Oman (Apr. 23, 2004) Local fishermen, aboard the small dhow, cast mooring lines to the members of the Vessel Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Team assigned to the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41). The team often brings fruit and medical supplies for the fishermen in hopes of being invited aboard where they can conduct a compliant search of the vessel. Whidbey Island is deployed to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR) to support the Global War on Terrorism and prepare for future contingencies as may be directed. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Bart Bauer. File# 040423-N-7586B-106