USS Philippine Sea Performs Medical Evacuation
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090423-22
Release Date: 4/23/2009 3:48:00 PM
From U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs
USS PHILIPPINE SEA, At Sea (NNS) -- The Mayport, Fla.-based guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG-58) performed an airborne medical evacuation of a 70-year old passenger aboard the cruise ship Motor Vessel Braemar April 23, responding to direction from U.S. 2nd Fleet to render assistance. while underway in the Atlantic Ocean.
Philippine Sea was contacted by Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's Maritime Operations Center just before midnight April 22, and notified of the medical emergency on board the cruise ship, which was located about 100 nautical miles south of the cruiser. The passenger was suffering from a perforated ulcer and needed immediate evacuation to the nearest medical facility.
Coordination between the U.S. Coast Guard and 2nd Fleet resulted in Philippine Sea being identified as the closest available asset to render aid.
The cruiser maneuvered within range, and launched an SH-60B helicopter by 2:50 a.m. The helicopter proceeded to the cruise ship, and conducted a basket retrieval of the passenger while hovering at 40 feet above the Braemar.
By 5:31 am, Philippine Sea's aircraft was on the ground at the Bermuda Rescue Coordination Center and the patient was transferred to the nearest hospital.
Philippine Sea is currently en route to Plymouth, United Kingdom, to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior, a multinational NATO exercise.
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