By Staff
Navy Fireman Jerry L. Chase, son of Teresa W. and Frank Chase of Harvest, is participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom while assigned to the dock landing ship USS Ashland, home ported in Norfolk, Va. Chase is a 2001 graduate of Sparkman High School in Toney and joined the U.S. Navy in May 2001.
Chase is part of a coalition amphibious force that includes approximately 33,000 sailors, marines and coastguardsmen participating in the largest military action in the Arabian Gulf region since Operation Desert Storm.
USS Ashland supports amphibious operations using Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCAC), which are specially designed hovercraft that travel above land and sea surfaces, and deliver vehicles and equipment.