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USS Iwo Jima Deploys in Support of Hurricane Relief Efforts

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050901-11
Release Date: 9/1/2005 11:01:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) departed Norfolk Aug. 31 to join relief and recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico following devastation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Iwo Jima and the amphibious transport dock USS Shreveport (LPD 12), as well as the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and the rescue and salvage ship USS Grapple (ARS 53) – both based at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek, Va., will join the Norfolk-based USS Bataan (LHD 5) that is already off the Gulf Coast.

Navy support elements from Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2 and Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, also based at NAB Little Creek, will join in support of the disaster relief effort.

“This crew has performed flawlessly on all levels to get this ship underway,” remarked Iwo Jima Commanding Officer Capt. Richard S. Callas. “I know each and every Sailor aboard LHD 7 is truly motivated and inspired to help our citizens affected by the disaster in any way possible.”

Following on-loads of much-needed medical supplies, including medical and humanitarian supplies, Iwo Jima steamed from Norfolk Naval Station bound for the Gulf of Mexico.

The ship made a brief stop near Little Creek Amphibious Base, where Iwo Jima took on Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) before embarking various heavy-lift-capable helicopters.

The deployed naval vessels will bring with them six Disaster Relief Teams (DRT) that include amphibious construction equipment, medical personnel and associated supplies to assist with the relief effort. The Navy's involvement in the humanitarian assistance operations is an effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).