Page:Iran Air Flight 655 investigation.djvu/123

 h. At 0615Z OCEAN LORD 25 reported being fired on by one group of small boats (TN 4667).

i. [], OCEAN LORD 25 crew observed several small flashes and puffs of smoke approximately 100 yards from the helo.

j. At the time of firing, OCEAN LORD 25 was 8-10 miles to the north of USS MONTGOMERY.

k. Bridge personnel on USS MONTGOMERY reported hearing five detonations to the north just prior, to USS VINCENNES's report of the firing on OCEAN LORD 25.

1. At 0613Z USS VINCENNES sounded General Quarters and proceeded north at high speed in the general direction of where OCEAN LORD 25 had been fired upon by the small boats.

m. Before returning to USS VINCENNES at high speed, OCEAN LORD 25 was able to identify the group of small boats that fired at it and identify the group to USS VINCENNES.

n. At approximately 0618Z, USS VINCENNES observed two groups of small boats 7 to 8 miles away.

o. The two groups of small boats then closed to approximately 4 miles off USS VINCENNES's starboard bow.

p. At 0620Z USS VINCENNES was directed by "GS" to take tactical control of USS MONTGOMERY. USS VINCENNES assumed tactical control and positioned MONTGOMERY 8,000 yearsyards [sic] off her port quarter.

q. At 0639Z USS VINCENNES requested permission by "GS" and "GB" to engage the small boats (TN 4667) with 5"/54 guns.

r. At 0639Z "GB" requested USS VINCENNES to verify the small boats were not departing. USS VINCENNES reported the boats were closing the USS VINCENNES and the USS MONTGOMERY.

s. At 0641Z "GS" gave permission to engage the small boats with gunfire.

t. At 0643Z USS VINCENNES and USS MONTGOMERY opened fire on two closing groups of Iranian small boats, including the group of small boats which had fired on OCEAN LORD 25.

u. CO MONTGOMERY reported that two small boats maneuvered erratically and appeared to close USS MONTGOMERY and USS VINCENNES. CO USS MONTGOMERY also Stated his lookouts reported small arms fire coming from the small boats.

v. Crew members topside'.on USS VINCENNES reported small arms fire from the boats, and Repair Locker 2 personnel in USS