USS Peterson DD-969
Our shipmate association had a unique e-mail based "Pen Pal Program" from 10/01 until 5/02 that gave direct support to men at sea in the War on Terrorism during the initial phase of the attack on Al Quaida terrorists in the Middle East.
The Peterson is now decommissioned.
She lost two men in Operation Enduring Freedom :
Vince Parker EM1
Ben Johnson ET3
who died while investigating a commercial oil tanker near Iraq. The tanker sank due to unknown causes.
We mourn their loss; they died in service to this great nation.
We feel strongly that it is important to provide encouragement and support to our men who are always 'at risk' on fighting ships at sea.