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Translators Play Key Role in Bataan's Haiti Relief Efforts

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100311-05
Release Date: 3/11/2010 8:35:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelvin Edwards, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) quickly provided Sailors and Marines who spoke Creole or French to help bridge the communication gap in Haiti after the island nation was devasted by a 7.0 earthquake Jan. 12.

The translators' role was critical as the ship arrived off the coast of the island nation, overwhelmed with the chaos of earthquake-related injuries, displaced families, orphans, and desperation.

"I volunteered for this mission," said Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Christopher Gustave, a native Haitian. "I figured since the Bataan was tasked to come down here anyway, I should do anything possible to help the mission go smoothly and help my people at the same time."

Sailors like Gustave, including 10 from surrounding Hampton Roads-area commands, and 30 Marines attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), are serving as translators for Bataan and the MEU during Operation Unified Response.

"I translated for medical when they were giving out vaccinations," said Cpl. Marie Danitza Hendrix, from the 22nd MEU's S-1 command element. "The patients were happy we were there to help, but more were excited when they realized the U.S. military had Haitian service members."

Although the Haitian-American Sailors and Marines were focused on the task at hand, many approached it with a heavy heart.

"I have family that lives in Port-au-Prince who I have not been able to contact, so this entire experience has taught me not to take life for granted. I have learned that there is always someone out there who needs more than the next."

The translators offered kind words and a friendly face during the arrival of nearly 100 medical evacuations aboard Bataan.

"It was important for the first person the patients talked to when they arrived be a translator," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Huben Phillips, medical department leading chief petty officer. "Our primary job when [patients]arrive is to find out their chief complaint. Having a translator to greet them, put their fears at ease and talk to them about what was wrong, allowed us to quickly make a determination on injuries so we could focus our efforts."

"This whole experience has made me glade to be serving in this Navy," said Gustave.

Bataan surged from her homeport of Norfolk Jan. 14 to support Operation Unified Response, an international commitment to provide relief for the victims of Haiti's devastating earthquake.