• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Firebolt Responds to Call for Medical Help

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050830-12
Release Date: 8/30/2005 4:44:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- USS Firebolt (PC 10), conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the Persian Gulf, responded to a call for medical assistance from a local fishing dhow at approximately 8 p.m. (local), Aug. 29.

Firebolt dispatched Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW) John Gregg, the ship’s independent duty corpsman, to the dhow to assess the situation.

When Gregg arrived, the dhow’s master complained of severe pain.

Gregg conducted a routine medical exam and determined the pain was caused by kidney stones. Gregg administered medication to the dhow’s master and monitored his pain until it was under control. He then instructed the crew to take the dhow’s master to the nearest shore medical facility as soon as possible and returned to Firebolt.

“I was happy to be able to alleviate his pain temporarily,” said Gregg. “I just hope he was able to get to a hospital...for further treatment.”

Firebolt operates in the Gulf as part of coalition Task Force (CTF) 58. CTF-58’s primary mission is to protect Iraq’s sea-based infrastructure, specifically the Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya oil terminals. Other coalition maritime forces operate throughout international waters in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea, conducting MSO.

“I think providing assistance to the local maritime community is a big part of what we are doing here as a coalition force,” said Lt. Marisa McClure, Firebolt’s commanding officer. “It is vitally important that we demonstrate our desire to improve security in the area and support economic development of the region. Rendering assistance to fellow mariners at sea has always been a part of the service the U.S. Navy provides all over the world, and we feel very gratified whenever we have an opportunity to do so.”

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.