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Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission Commodore Visits Fort McHenry

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100207-07
Release Date: 2/7/2010 4:27:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rachael L. Leslie, Navy Public Affairs Support Element

CARIBBEAN SEA, Haiti (NNS) -- Capt. Thomas Negus, commodore, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Amphibious Relief Mission visited Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) off the coast of Haiti, Feb. 5.

Negus arrived in an SH-60S helicopter from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, and was greeted by the ship's commanding officer Cmdr. Nate Moyer, executive officer Cmdr. Nathan York, and the command master chief CMDCM(SW/AW) Andrew Thompson.

Moyer said the commodore likes to make these types of informal visits to the ships involved in the mission to thank and shake hands with the crew.

"The commodore's visit means a lot to the Fort McHenry crew," said Moyer.

After a brief meeting with the ship's leadership, Negus toured many spaces on the ship starting with the Bridge, where he delivered a message to the crew over the ship's 1MC, and then shook hands and spoke with each Sailor on watch.

"I just want to tell you how much I love you all and the great work you're doing out here," said Negus. "No one else in the world could have come down here and done what you've done so brilliantly."

Negus' next stops were the ship's combat center, and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 6 operations centers, and then on to the enlisted mess decks where he spoke with more Sailors and Marines about the job they've done supporting the relief efforts in Haiti thus far.

"What you've done will be one of the brightest stars in naval service," said Negus. "You've had an incredible impact on our neighbors, and you have written your record in the annals of history."

Negus then moved on to visit with the medical staff on board where he spoke of his appreciation for the job they've done on this mission.

"I have such an admiration for what you all do here," said Negus. "What you all do… take a broken person and then throw in grace and a display of character, you give of yourself. I've never been prouder to be part of such a fine team."

The brief visit ended with a chat with the ship's engineering team, and then Negus departed for the rest of his tour. He also visited USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), also participating in Operation Unified Response, providing military support capabilities to civil authorities to help stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti.