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Bataan Flight Deck Crew Fueling Relief Efforts in Haiti

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100122-11
Release Date: 1/22/2010 3:24:00 PM 1

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Julio Rivera, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, BAIE DE GRAND GOAVE, Haiti (NNS) -- Members of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan's (LHD 5) flight deck crew are working around-the-clock to facilitate the distribution of logistical and medical support as the ship operates off the coast of Haiti in response to the devastating earthquake that rattled the nation Jan. 12.

Since Bataan's arrival in Haiti, the flight deck has been open for business 24-hours a day, serving as a hub for military aircraft operating in the Port-au-Prince area - directing traffic for Haitians in need of urgent medical care aboard and a constant flow of supplies ashore.

"We ensure that all personnel who are debarking and embarking the ship are safe," said Lance Cpl. Mario Guzman, a Marine assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard Bataan. "We make sure that all [crew members] are able to properly go out there and provide rescue and humanitarian aid."

Bataan's flight deck team is made up of Sailors from various work centers, primarily Air Department's V-1 (flight deck) and V-4 (fuels) divisions, as well as other essential safety personnel. Marines manning up the Combat Cargo division are also actively involved in all flight-deck evolutions, providing the integral logistical support needed to ensure the success of each flight to and from the ship.

The result is a mixture of skill sets and backgrounds seamlessly working together and allowing Bataan to more efficiently maximize all available assets. This efficiency is what allows Bataan to provide care and aid for more Haitians, both on board and ashore.

"We have done just about everything," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Morden Joyles, one of Bataan's aircraft directors. "We are responsible for providing supplies in a timely manner as well as bringing personnel found during search-and-rescue flights back to the ship and transporting them to flight-deck triage."

Even as Bataan's role in Operation Unified Response continues to grow, Joyles is confident his flight deck team can overcome any challenge.

"There are no challenges too tough," Joyles said. "We were able to come back out here after only being home for 34 days and we're operating as if we never stopped working."

The days are long, the weather is hot, and the flight schedule is ever-changing, but the pride in supporting disaster relief efforts on the ground outweighs the day-to-day challenges of a flight deck open around the clock.

"It's hard because normally you have a plan and a schedule for three days out, but we know why we are out here and what we are doing," said Cmdr. Dan Olsen, Bataan's air boss. "We'll remain flexible and do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission; it's that important."

Despite the strenuous and unpredictable nature of operations facing Bataan's flight deck team each day here in Haiti, these men and women continue to be an example that teamwork goes a long way, especially when the goal is helping others in their time of need.

Bataan, along with amphibious dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) are operating as the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission as part of Operation Unified Response, providing military support capabilities to civil authorities and to help stabilize and improve the situation in the wake of this disaster.

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