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USS Cleveland Supports Fire Victims

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071025-24
Release Date: 10/25/2007 7:55:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant P. Ammon, USS Cleveland Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 30 Sailors from the amphibious transport dock USS Cleveland (LPD 7) are working closely with the local San Diego community to bring relief to those affected by the California wildfires.

"The Navy and Sailors from the Cleveland really stepped up to help the community in this time of need," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Patrick Casey. "Our ship's doctor and four enlisted corpsmen provided basic medical services to nearly 200 elderly evacuees at San Diego High School."

Since Oct. 23, Cleveland volunteers have been supporting fire relief efforts by providing medical care to civilian evacuees and distributing relief supplies to Navy family members sheltered at Naval Base San Diego's Admiral Prout Field House Gymnasium.

"I volunteered at the Admiral Prout gym," said Seaman John Stocker of Cleveland's Deck Department. "I helped by sorting and distributing supplies like toothpaste, soap and emergency cell phones to evacuees."

Stocker added that he felt it is part of his duty as a Sailor to help in this time of need.

"It feels good to help our neighbors in their time of crisis," said Stocker. "I can't imagine what it is like to lose everything, and I want to do what I can to help."

Navy assets are well qualified and equipped to support a variety of mission requirements, of which, the Navy's ability to quickly respond to disasters is critical.

"With our ship's capabilities we have a lot to offer to the local community and to support displaced San Diegans," said Capt. Billy Hart, Cleveland's commanding officer. "Our focus is Navy families and our San Diego community."

Hart added, "The response by Cleveland Sailors was tremendous. Early coordination with the region's operations center enabled us to send our Sailor volunteers where they could make a difference."

The amphibious transport dock is the oldest operating amphibious ship in the U.S. Navy and is currently assigned to the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group.

Amphibious transport docks are used to transport, and land Marines, their equipment and supplies by embarked air cushion, conventional landing craft, amphibious vehicles or helicopter.