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6.1 Aftershock Shakes Haiti, Bataan, Not Mission

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100122-18
Release Date: 1/22/2010 3:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Steinhour, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kiona Miller, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) did not awake to the usual sounds of reveille Jan. 20, but to the sound of the 844-foot-long ship being rocked by a 6.1 magnitude aftershock.

Ideas about what could possibly make the ship shudder were wide-ranging, but after quick corroboration between other Navy assets in the region both at sea and ashore, it was determined that it was an aftershock stemming from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the area Jan. 12.

"My first thoughts were for the safety of the crew and the possible impacts on the mission," said Capt. Sam Howard, Bataan's commanding officer. "This crew is serving as the arms and legs of every American. Our ship brings an amazing amount of capability ideally suited to bring the people of Haiti the relief they desperately need."

Howard quickly ordered checks of all ships systems via the ship's general announcing system.

"Check pumps, seals, and make sure (no one) is overlooking anything that would damage personnel or affect our mission," said Howard.

In addition to the shipboard checks, a CH-53E Super Stallion launched from Bataan to conduct an assessment of the region, and reports indicated no additional major damage in and around Port-au-Prince.

No major damage or injuries were reported on any of the ships operating in the region, and the overall mission of the Bataan Amphibious Relief Force will not be affected by the aftershock.

"I'm glad that everything is in order to continue our mission supporting the relief efforts in Haiti," said Aviation Ordancemen Airman Derrick Joe.

Bataan received 19 injured Haitians on seven MEDEVAC helicopters later in the day and immediately began providing medical care.

In addition to Bataan, Carter Hall and Fort McHenry, the relief mission includes detachments from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 8, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 and Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 2.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.