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U.S., U.K. Units Show Coperation at Its Finest

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061101-16
Release Date: 11/1/2006 3:25:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leonardo Carrillo, Standing North Atlantic Treaty Organization Maritime Group 2 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS MONTEREY, At Sea (NNS) -- Cooperation between U.S. and United Kingdom (U.K.) units was vital in the timely medical evaluation and evacuation of an ailing Sailor from the guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) Oct. 24, while the ship was underway off the coast of Scotland.

The Sailor was evaluated via fleet secure chat by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SCW/FMF) John Coates, Samuel B. Robert’s independent duty corpsman, and by Lt. Eric Draper, a U.S. medical officer from the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61). After evaluation, it was determined that the Sailor needed to be evacuated and was airlifted from Samuel B. Roberts by a Sea King MK 5 from the Royal Navy's search and rescue (SAR) helicopter.

“The squadron airlift support was outstanding,” read a message sent from Samuel B. Roberts expressing the appreciation of the entire crew for the assistance provided. “We are very grateful for [everyone’s assistance] in helping care for our shipmate.”

The Sailor was experiencing a worsening sharp abdominal pain for a period of approximately seven hours until it was determined he needed further examination. Coats consulted via fleet secure chat with the senior U.S. medical officer in the area, Draper. Upon reviewing the symptoms, Draper suspected the possibility of an acute appendicitis. They jointly concluded that he needed to be evacuated immediately to a land-based hospital for further treatment and possible surgery.

The tactical action officer (TAO), Lt. Errol Robinson of Monterey contacted the duty officer on shore to coordinate the evacuation and then directed Samuel B. Roberts to move closer to shore in order to minimize the distance the rescue unit would need to travel.

“The well-being of our shipmates is one of the things we worry about the most when we are out here,” said Robinson.

The Sailor was taken to Killonock Cross House hospital, in Prestwick, U.K. He will remain in Prestwick for treatment and further observation and will return to the United States as soon as he is cleared to travel.

Samuel B. Roberts and Monterey are among the many U.S. ships participating in Neptune Warrior, a joint military training course organized by the Joint Maritime Operational Training Staff (JMOTS) Northwood in the United Kingdom.