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Carter Hall Returns to GTMO, On-loads More Relief Supplies

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100214-09
Release Date: 2/14/2010 11:02:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Hendrick L. Dickson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) returned to Naval Base Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba, Feb. 10 and loaded more than 200 pallets of food and humanitarian relief supplies to support Operation Unified Response in Haiti.

This is the second time in three weeks dock landing ship Carter Hall has on-loaded supplies in GTMO to transport back to Haiti.

The ship loaded more than 1,100 pallets of water, food rations and medical supplies, as well as thousands of cots and tents within 24 hours during a brief stop Jan. 24.

Carter Hall is a vital asset for the joint task force for Haiti during Operation Unified Response. The crew conducts amphibious operations around the clock to get supplies to the Haitian people in this time of emergency. This latest effort is another reflection of the hard work and perseverance Carter Hall Sailors have displayed over the past month.

"This crew continues to astound me," said Cmdr. George Doyon, Carter Hall commanding officer. "They are continuously asked to do more in a shorter period of time - and they always deliver. It is inspiring to see their commitment to this mission. It is something that I will remember for a long time."

Since Carter Hall arrived on station in Haiti Jan. 18 as part of the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission, the situation in Haiti shows improvement. But there is still a lot of work to be done to assist the Haitian people in a position to start rebuilding their nation. Doyon said Carter Hall will continue to answer the call.

"Every day our Sailors step forward and ask 'what can I do,'" said Doyon. "Whether it's going ashore to assist in giving medical treatment or handing out food and water, these Sailors step up every time and continue to do whatever it takes to help the Haitian people restart their lives."

Carter Hall is part of the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission. The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) is on station in Haiti with the amphibious dock landing ships USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and Carter Hall supporting Operation Unified Response, a joint humanitarian assistance mission to Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12.