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Bataan Earns 3rd Consecutive 'Green H' Award

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100317-02
Release Date: 3/17/2010 12:16:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin L. Boyce, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) was announced as a 2009 Force Health and Wellness Unit Award, or Green "H," winner March 12 by Commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR), the ship's third consecutive award.

The Green H goes to commands who demonstrate commitment to the health and welfare of their Sailors and Marines throughout the year. The award also reflects on the crew's professionalism and readiness to perform their mission at any given time.

"The Green H award is based on capability," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Richard Rock, assistant leading petty officer for medical department. "The medical department receives amazing support from the entire crew. This award would be impossible without the efforts of every Sailor and Marine on board."

In addition to preventive, routine and emergent medical care, Bataan's medical department supports Sailors and Marines with CPR training, smoking cessation, regular health fairs, fitness sessions and education to live a healthy life.

The medical team was put to the test when the ship surged to support disaster relief efforts in Haiti Jan. 14. The medical team provided emergent care on board for nearly 100 Haitian patients who were medically evacuated to the ship.

"Our capabilities were proven," said Rock. "We were able to respond with our compliment of green-side corpsman [from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit], and our embarked elements, integrating seamlessly to provide humanitarian aid for the people of Haiti."

"This medical department continues to prove its battle readiness by performing well while at sea," said Cmdr. Melanie Merrick, senior medical officer aboard Bataan. "It is one thing to talk about readiness and how well prepared you are, but it's another thing to be put to the test as we have been and to come out with flying colors."

This is Bataan's 11th Green H award since her commissioning Sept. 20, 1997.

"By being awarded the Green H, we can now add another green hash mark beneath the H already painted on the bridge wing," said Merrick. "This recognition is placed alongside the Battle "E" and other departmental awards, so it is a great honor to be recognized in a way that everyone can see from outside the ship."

The ship was awarded the Battle "E" efficiency award earlier this year.

Bataan is on-station off the coat of Haiti providing support to Operation Unified Response.