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Fort McHenry Provides Fueling Support During Aid Efforts in the Philippines

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041215-04
Release Date: 12/15/2004 10:14:00 AM

By Jouralist 2nd Class James Kimber, Commander, Task Force 76 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS FORT MCHENRY (NNS) -- In support of humanitarian relief efforts in the Republic of the Philippines, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) is currently providing assistance to Marine helicopters ferrying aid to victims of recent typhoons, flooding and landslides on the island of Luzon.

The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship is refueling Marine Corps CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters, which are transferring valuable aid supplies to the island from other areas in the Philippines.

Fort McHenry, along with the Military Sealift Command ship USNS Gunnery Sgt. Fred W. Stockham (T-AK 3017), has been in the area since early December.

According to Cmdr. Mark Weber, Fort McHenry commanding officer, the primary concern of the mission is to prevent further loss of life and to assist the Philippine government with ongoing disaster relief efforts, specifically in the provinces of Quezon, Aurora and Nueva Ecija.

"The U.S. and the Philippines have a very strong friendship and alliance," said the Cumming, Ga., native. "The Philippines requested our help, and our Navy/Marine Corps team rapidly responded to assist with the nation's disaster relief efforts."

According to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, more than 5,000 pounds of supplies have been sent and about 100 patients have been treated. Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies include potable water, medicine, basic field medical supplies, large shelter-type tents, blankets and generators.

"This is certainly a mission we are happy to execute," said Weber. "I think you can ask any one of our crew members, and they can tell you they are more than happy to participate. I'm very proud of this crew and their willingness to complete the task despite the upcoming holidays."

"Having the opportunity to help out the less fortunate is one of the reasons I joined the Navy," said Electronics Technician (SW) 3rd Class Shaun Dennis of Brookings, Ore. "It's terrible what many of these families have to go through right now, but I hope that whatever small part I can play in making their lives a little easier can be appreciated, especially during the Christmas season."

Fort McHenry is forwarded deployed to Sasebo, Japan.