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 approximately the same time heard 5 to 7 explosions coming from the north. (IO Exhibit 172, p. 44).

U e. No merchant vessels requested assistance and by direction of "GS", at approximately 0411Z, USS MONTGOMERY proceeded to the southern section of SOHWPA. (, p. 44).

U f. At 0412Z, "GS" directed USS VINCENNES to proceed north to the vicinity of USS MONTGOMERY and to investigate USS MONTGOMERY's report of small boats preparing to attack a merchant. USS VINCENNES's helo OCEAN LORD 25 (LAMPS MK-III) on routine morning patrol was vectored to the north to monitor the Iranian small boat activity in preparation for USS SIDES transit. (IO Exhibits 130, 172).

U g. OCEAN LORD 25 closed to within 3NM of Oman while conducting surveillance operations. ( p. 471).

U h. At 0615Z OCEAN LORD 25 reported being fired on by one group of small boats (TN 4667). (IO Exhibits 149, 172, 212).

i. (U) and, OCEAN LORD 25 crew, observed several small flashes and puffs of smoke approximately 100 yards from the helo. (IO Exhibits 149, 212).

j. (U) At the time of firing, OCEAN LORD 25 was 8-10 miles to the north of USS MONTGOMERY. ( p. 45).

k. (U) 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 over MEFEX net. ( p. 45).

l. (U) 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. (IO Exhibits 157, 172).

U 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, via the LAMPS MK-III data link, identify the group to USS VINCENNES. ( p. 798, p. 476).

n. (U) At approximately 0618Z, USS VINCENNES observed two groups of small boats 7 to 8 miles away. (IO Exhibit 172, p. 792).

o. (U) The two groups of small boats then closed to approximately 4 miles off USS VINCENNES's starboard bow. ( p. 792).