Military

Jacksonville Area Bases Support Hurricane Katrina Recovery

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050901-14
Release Date: 9/1/2005 12:37:00 PM

From Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy units from three area bases are mobilizing in response to recovery efforts following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to naval installations in the Gulf Coast region.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville will deploy 84 medical personnel from its Casualty Receiving and Treatment Ship Team (CRTS) 8. They will be reporting to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. Naval Hospital Jacksonville will also be receiving hurricane victims and providing medical treatment.

From Naval Air Station Jacksonville, seven personnel from Public Works Center Jacksonville, Resident Officer in Charge of Construction and from Commander, Navy Region Southeast are deploying to the Gulf Coast area.

From Naval Station Mayport, the following Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing Atlantic aviation units are deploying:

- Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 42: 1 aircraft
- HSL-44: 2 aircraft
- HSL-46: 1 aircraft
- HSL-48: 2 aircraft
- HSL-60: 1 aircraft

In addition to the seven aircraft, 60 helicopter maintenance personnel will also deploy to the region.

Three Navy ships that sortied from Naval Station Pascagoula to avoid Hurricane Katrina will be docking at Naval Station Mayport. USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) arrived Aug. 31. USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51) will arrive Sept. 1. USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) will arrive Sept. 2

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., is deploying a public works officer and 26 personnel from the Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202.

The Navy has set up a 24-hour helpline at 1-877-414-5358 for Sailors and families to call for information regarding their loved ones. This line will be staffed 24 hours a day by active-duty Navy volunteers and will have connectivity with Navy, FEMA and other government agencies. Volunteers will answer questions regarding the status of Navy family members, but please be aware that communication in the region is still inconsistent.