Torpedoman 1st Class Jim Macchiarella from Rapid City, S.D., assigned to the U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure Team (VBSS) climbs a rope ladder

Arabian Gulf (Jun. 24, 2003) Torpedoman 1st Class Jim Macchiarella from Rapid City, S.D., assigned to the U.S. Navy guided missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), Vessel Boarding Search and Seizure Team (VBSS) climbs a rope ladder to inspect an Iraqi cargo and passenger vessel during a Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO). MIO operations are performed by specially-trained personnel who board and inspect vessels to ensure they are operating in accordance with current U.N. resolutions and to prevent transportation of illegal cargo and personnel. Rodney M. Davis is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraqs weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Christopher L. Jordan. File# 030624-N-9411J-004