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Navy Supports Relief Efforts in Northern Mariana Islands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090917-10
Release Date: 9/17/2009 9:32:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Wiliams, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Following the aftermath of Super Typhoon Choi-Wan, USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) and two MH-60S helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 arrived on station in the early morning hours of Sept. 17 to provide humanitarian support to residents of Alamagan and Agrihan.

The islands, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), are approximately 146 nautical miles north of Saipan.

At the request of the Governor of Saipan, Alan Shepard, a Military Sealift Command dry cargo-ammunition ship, was tasked with transiting to the area to assist the residents who required basic survival needs following the effects of heavy rain and winds in excess of 150 mph brought on by the super typhoon.

Embarked aboard Shepard, HSC-25 delivered to the islands various supplies including more than 260 gallons of fresh water, 50 pounds of rice and other health and comfort items. The squadron also evacuated a family of six from Alamagan onto Shepard. After arriving aboard, the family was assessed by the ship's medical staff prior to being flown to the island of Saipan for further medical treatment.

"USNS Alan Shepard's multimission capabilities play a critical role in the Maritime Strategy, and we were uniquely equipped to handle humanitarian operations like this one and provide much needed support," said Shepard's civil service Master Capt. Greig Hague.

The humanitarian mission required the support from various organizations including U.S, Naval Forces Marianas, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam, and the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.