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Haiti Relief Supplies Arrive Aboard Bataan, Ready for Distribution

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100124-03
Release Date: 1/24/2010 11:06:00 AM

By By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class W. B. Swoboda, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) successfully completed a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and connected replenishment (CONREP) with dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) Jan. 23, bringing aboard relief supplies for the people of Haiti.

Bataan received more than 450 pallets of supplies, two thirds of which originated from non-governmental organizations like Operation Blessing, Project Hand Clasp and the American Red Cross.

Bataan's hangar bay and upper-vehicle stowage areas are busting at the seams with rows upon rows of relief supplies and equipment to be distributed as part of Operation Unified Relief.

"We received a lot of food and medical supplies to help the relief effort in Haiti," said, Lt. j.g. Jason Monts, wardroom division officer. "We were doing two methods of delivery with Sacagawea, a VERTREP and CONREP, to move the pallets quicker and more efficient."

An evolution such as a VERTREP/CONREP requires the participation and coordination of the entire ship; every Sailor and Marine aboard operates as a single unit to safely complete the task, but no one needed an explanation today; the crew knew what was at stake.

"We need everyone to help in our mission to provide assistance to save lives," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class (SW/AW) Larry Williams, from Havana, Fla. "The Haitians need us, and we need to do everything we can to ensure we get (the supplies) there as quickly as possible and we stay as long as the mission requires."

Less than 100 of the pallets brought aboard will be used by the ship's Sailors and Marines for sustenance, leaving the bulk of the supplies to be transported to distribution points in Haiti.

Sailors and Marines of the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission ships have been treating patients in the ships' medical facilities, and distributing food, water and supplies in coordination with partner nations and non-governmental organizations operating on the ground in Haiti.

USS Bataan (LHD5), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) deployed to provide 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/.