Posted: 6/19/02

Heiden recognized for Naval service

Immediately after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, USS Princeton (CG 59) was assigned duties as the air defense commander for Task Force 50, which made the ship responsible for the air defense of all Navy and coalition forces operating in the Arabian Gulf and the north Arabian Sea. Once Princeton took up this position, the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk (CV 63), along with additional U.S. ships and international forces, joined them.

Three weeks later, on Oct. 7 2001, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) began.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric W. Heiden played an important part in the success of Princetonís support of OEF. His skills as a sonar technician helped provide air defense for all the ships in the task force. Princeton was responsible for 1,500 square miles of airspace in which numerous types of combat aircraft, from Navy F/A-18 Hornets to British Nimrods, operated on a daily basis.

While deployed, Heiden, the 22-year-old son of Karla Heyn of Lino Lakes, witnessed the launching of missiles, participated in boarding operations, and helped support submarine exercises. Princetonís Sailors werenít busy just during OEF, but were on station in the north Arabian Sea for 111 consecutive days. This is a significant milestone for even the most seasoned sailors, but Heiden and others understand the importance of maintaining a naval presence.

ìItís important to deploy for the defense of our nation. My personal opinion would be the fact that our presence at sea and around the world shows our concern, our pride and our commitment to bringing about peace,î Heiden said.

Heiden, a four year Navy veteran, maintains, operates and repairs underwater listening equipment as well as detects, tracks and classifies other vessels.

Armed with Harpoon, Tomahawk and Standard missiles, in addition to the Phalanx Close-In Weapons System, deck guns, and two triple torpedo tubes, the 563-foot Princeton is a versatile tool of national diplomacy.

Working and living on a ship with more than 400 men and women can be challenging, but Heiden has found many rewards on deployment.

ìThe most rewarding part is having the chance to work as part of a team, which in turn becomes a family. Just working with such diversity gives me the chance to better myself as a person and help others to achieve their goals,î Heiden said.

Throughout this deployment, Heiden and fellow Princeton Sailors showed a strong commitment to meeting mission requirements and aiding in OEF.

Their importance to the defense of the nation cannot be measured easily, but their efforts demonstrated their dedication to the United States.

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