Plenty of candles

CUT ABOVE: LCDR Fred Ross celebrated his 60th birthday, as part of Task Force 158, onboard a US ship in the Persian Gulf.

Most sailors have celebrated birthdays at sea, but for LCDR Fred Ross it was a rare and special occasion.

LCDR Ross celebrated his 60th birthday (not a typo) on July 22 onboard a US ship in the Persian Gulf.

To break yet another milestone (and probably record), the week also marked the 47th anniversary of his joining the Navy (RN and RAN).
LCDR Ross is currently deployed with Commander Task Force 158 (CDRE Peter Lockwood, RAN) as the plans officer.

Task Force 158 contributes to law enforcement in Iraqi waters, coordinates the protection of the country’s oil terminals in the Northern Persian Gulf and conducts maritime security operations in the region.
LCDR Ross is specifically involved in regional security, facilitating cooperative efforts between neighbouring countries to contribute towards security in the Gulf.

He has been directly working with the Kuwaiti Navy and Coast Guard to promote shared responsibilities with Iraqi maritime forces.

LCDR Ross celebrated his birthday with his 21 companions on the staff of CTF 158 over morning tea and a large cake, courtesy of the USN chefs.

“When I joined the Navy, I couldn’t have imagined I’d be lucky enough to be still out here doing this [operation],” he said.

LCDR Ross went on to share many of his interesting anecdotes with his fellow staff and enjoy another birthday at sea.

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