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Bataan Adds Air Assets to Assist with Haiti Relief

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100201-17
Release Date: 2/1/2010 4:33:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Robinett, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Three helicopter squadron detachments have joined the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) to assist with the relief efforts in Haiti.

Detachments from the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 Tridents, the HSC-26 Chargers and the Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 Vanguard embarked Bataan after spending more than two weeks operating from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

Vinson received official tasking Feb. 1 resume security cooperation activities with partner navies in the region while transiting to its homeport in San Diego.

While aboard Vinson, the helicopters were able to provide critical airlift and medical support to the Haitian people. The detachments will provide that same support aboard Bataan.

"Bataan's inherent capabilities make it the ideal platform to support the Government of Haiti and the United Nations in the evolving disaster relief missions," said Bataan Commanding Officer Capt. Sam Howard. "The additional detachments only add to our capabilities."

The embarked detachments join HSC-22 and a Marine Corps Aviation Combat Element from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, a total of 21 aircraft. These helicopters will support distribution of disaster relief supplies, medical evacuations, search-and-rescue efforts, command and control and personnel movement.

"At first our job was to perform search-and-rescues which is our primary mission in the United States," said HSC-26 Ordnance leading Petty Officer Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW) Jay Stroup. "After three days, we began doing medical evacuations and taking food, water and anything else that may help."

Having four crews working on board has nearly tripled the teams' ability to transport goods, personnel and Haitians who require medical assistance.

"It feels good to know that in the long run we are helping people," said HSC-22 Aviation Machinist Mate Airman Andrew Blough. "It's amazing to see them coming on board hurt and needing help, and then a week later we are taking them back to their home healthy."

Although the workload is significant, Sailors with the squadron are proud to be a part of Operation Unified Response.

"This is what we came here to do; we left on a moments notice, and we will stay here as long as we are needed here," said Stroup.

Bataan, along with amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is supporting Operation Unified Response to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief for victims of the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.