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Kearsarge Continues to Support Relief Operations in Haiti

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080910-20
Release Date: 9/10/2008 3:18:00 PM

From Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) continued her support of disaster relief efforts in Haiti Sept. 10, providing logistical support to remote areas hit hardest by this season's tropical storms and hurricanes.

On the second day of operations, Sept. 9, pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) Squadron 464 flew relief missions to Jeremie and Les Cayes, delivering approximately 45 metric tons of pre-packaged food such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits from the World Food Program.

Additionally, another estimated 85 metric tons of supplies and water were delivered by landing craft utility (LCU) to the northern city of Gonaives, Haiti's second largest city.

"I think it's good we are actually doing something out here," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Andres Vazques, one of the Sailors assisting with the offload of supplies in Gonaives. "I am glad we're actually helping people who really just went through this situation. They're really in need right now. We're bringing them food, water and supplies - we're not just sitting here. We are getting people in and out every day. We know we are doing our part."

Working on the ground in Port-au-Prince, Kearsarge Sailors along with embarked Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen worked continuously loading and unloading supplies for delivery.

More supplies are scheduled for delivery by air and surface crafts to Gonaives and Saint Marc.

"We are quickly moving to get as many supplies out to the remote areas as possible," said Kearsarge Commanding Officer, Capt. Walt Towns. "Our entire team of military personnel are doing all they can to ease the suffering of those affected by the hurricanes."

Four storms within a month have flooded eight of Haiti's 10 geographic departments, destroying bridges and roads, leaving hundreds of Haitians dead, tens of thousands homeless and thousands desperate for humanitarian aid.

On Sept. 5, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) directed Commander, Fourth Fleet to divert the amphibious ship from its humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission in Colombia to assist in the relief efforts in Haiti following destruction caused by Hurricane Hanna and the threat of Hurricane Ike.

The capabilities of Kearsarge include the fast movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft vessels, making it the ideal platform to support urgent humanitarian relief missions.

Overall, the Kearsarge mission in Haiti has delivered an estimated 141 metric tons of relief supplies in addition to 750 gallons of water.

The objective of delivering emergency relief supplies is to help local governments and relief organizations achieve self-sufficiency as they rebuild from the destruction.

Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting phase two of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes assisting partner nations impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in human suffering or danger to human lives.

Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Department of Defense for military assistance, if needed.

For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd3.