OFFICER SUPPORTS EFFORT

JACKSON -- Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Villis L. Cross, whose wife, Melinda, is staying with her parents, Randy and Carol Ludwig of Jackson, recently was in the Adriatic Sea near Bosnia aboard the ammunition ship USS Butte.

Cross is one of 406 sailors aboard the ship who helped support the peace effort in the former Yugoslavia by resupplying naval forces in the Adriatic Sea.

Cross has traveled more than 9,000 miles since leaving Naval Weapons Station in Earle, N.J., in August. His ship is part of the 11-ship USS America Battle Group, which includes tactical aircraft, ships and submarines.

Cross and fellow shipmates provide other battle group ships with fuel, ammunition, food and supplies. He is due to return home in February.