Quartermaster 1st Class William Pomeroy (right) plots the ship's course as Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Derek Robinson (left) stands by to assist. Both members of the navigation team are wearing ?flash gear? and gas masks during a general quarters (GQ) ?Battle Stations? drill. The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf is on a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, and will be conducting additional missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. U.S. Navy Photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera.