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SURFPAC Surgeon Joins International Haiti Relief Effort

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100214-10
Release Date: 2/14/2010 8:47:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Elena Pence, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The force surgeon for Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) is currently acting as the surgeon for Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the country Jan. 12.

Capt. Bruce C. Meneley was notified shortly after the earthquake that he would be involved with Haiti relief efforts.

Initially, Meneley was sent to Mayport, Fla., with the staff of Naval Forces Southern Command, which is in charge of maritime support for Haiti relief. There he ensured the flow of supplies and coordination of patient care. A few weeks after the earthquake, the SURFPAC surgeon was on a flight to Haiti.

"It is an awesome experience to have been at SURFPAC working to man, train and equip warships ready for tasking, then be able to deploy and work with them in an operational environment, seeing all that effort put into action," said Meneley.

Meneley is responsible for all medical services provided by Navy ships, such as USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), and USS Bataan (LHD 5), which are augmented with additional medical staff members. He coordinates medical assets, ensures logistic flow and monitors and reports the medical care that is provided in the area.

"[Haiti] looks like many third world countries, but a lot of the houses built out of concrete had collapsed and there were many makeshift tents in open areas," said Meneley. "However, many large buildings appeared intact. Once you were on the ground, you could see many of those buildings had large cracks, or entire walls had collapsed and were unstable."

"You hear what [Bataan and Comfort] have done," said Meneley. "But the medical departments on the smaller ships have done a great job as well, sending out teams into areas they are near to establish clinics and provide care to the local population."

The global effort in the area has grown; ships, medical teams and aircraft from many different nations can be seen in Haiti. Meneley has experienced this firsthand, as Sailors, Marines and Soldiers from different countries come together to bring aid to this small nation.

"The harbor is full of ships from many different nations. Teams, both military and non-governmental organizations, from many nations are working across the country," he said. "French helicopters have been transferring patients off the Comfort. Our medical teams have been working with Colombian and Mexican teams, partnering and leveraging off each others capabilities."

Supplies for the area are critical. Haitians are without a constant source of food and water, and with medical operations running around the clock, the need for medical supplies is nonstop.

"Supplies are coming in from everywhere," said Meneley. "Many piers were damaged here, so the Seabees have come in and are performing different operations to off-load ships. Air traffic is also constantly bringing in supplies."

"The effort really has been amazing to watch," Meneley continued.