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Norfolk-Based Strike Group Making a Difference in Haiti

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100206-04
Release Date: 2/6/2010 8:30:00 PM

From Carrier Strike Group Two Public Affairs

PORT-AU-PRINCE (NNS) -- The Sailors assigned to Carrier Strike Group 2 (CSG 2) find themselves in a unique position to render assistance to the relief efforts in Haiti. They are "Boots dry" in Port-Au-Prince.

The Norfolk-based Strike Group, which will eventually embark on America's newest Aircraft Carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), travelled in large numbers in the direction of Haiti shortly after the devastating earthquake struck the nation Jan. 12. There are now 172 Sailors from the Strike Group taking part in Operation Unified Response, most of them living in tents and working in the Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti command center just outside the United States Embassy in Port-Au-Prince.

Not yet embarked on CVN 77 as it conducted Sea Trials and Flight Deck Certification, the strike group was in a unique position of availability after the earthquake struck to assist in the humanitarian assistance mission. Initially, the staff reported to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to stand-up the Joint Logistics Hub at the base air strip. In that capacity, CSG 2 provided the command and control and expertise to manage the movement of food, water, medical supplies and relief personnel to Haiti and ships operating off the coast.

Most of the staff departed Cuba for Haiti Jan. 28 to support the Carrier Strike Group Commander Rear Adm. Dave Thomas, as he assumed command of Task Force 41 (CTF 41), the U.S. Navy's sea-based element supporting JTF-Haiti. Thomas took command Feb. 1, after USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and its carrier strike group staff and leadership departed the area. Thomas is embarked aboard the task force's new flagship, the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), but a majority of the staff stayed behind in Haiti to remain coordinated with the rest of the JTF on the ground.

"I am so very proud of each and every member of my team," said Thomas. "Helping the people of Haiti in their hour of need has required everyone to live and work outside of their normal comfort zone. Like everyone involved in this mission, they've quickly and enthusiastically adapted to the unique circumstances and performed magnificently to help save lives."

Living in tents and working in a makeshift command center amidst the rubble and devastation in Haiti is indeed new ground for the staff, which normally resides on board an aircraft carrier.

"It is absolutely amazing," said Information Systems Technician (IT) Seaman Apprentice Andrea Frank, the strike group's most junior Sailor. "I thought I'd be sleeping on a ship when I joined the Navy, not outside in a tent. But it feels so good to be a part of this kind of team and get the opportunity to help people."

The strike group staff manning is currently augmented by 84 personnel from Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202. A small number of personnel remained in Cuba, and 13 personnel are on board Bataan providing support to Thomas. For the rest of the staff living and working outside of the embassy, they are getting an up-close perspective on how much the relief effort is making a difference for the people of Haiti.

"You hear about the Navy's Global Force for Good slogan," said Capt. Jeff Austin, the strike group's operations officer. "Well, we are living it right now. It makes me so proud to be in the United States Navy."