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Enterprise Conducts Emergency Medical Evacuation

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100525-07
5/25/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristin Baker, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Elements from USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and the 'Dragonslayers' of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 11 conducted an emergency medical evacuation from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196), May 22.

The search and rescue helicopter, assigned to the 'Dragonslayers', departed with Enterprise's flight surgeon to the Kanawha minutes after the request for assistance was received. Simultaneously, doctors and corpsmen in the ship's medical department sprang into action, ensuring they were prepared for any eventuality.

Once the Enterprise team touched down on the Kanawha and the flight surgeon was able to conduct an examination, the determination was made to continue on to the shore facility after a brief refueling stop aboard Enterprise. The patient was successfully delivered to a civilian hospital in North Carolina where he was released the next day.

In emergency situations, when time critically affects the chances of survival, the ability to reach the necessary medical attention quickly is of the utmost importance.

"We have a surgeon aboard, as well as an anesthesiologist so we are prepared to deal with any emergency," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Cheri Snaza, Medical department's leading chief petty officer.

Being prepared for any situation is critical for any ship out to sea. Enterprise has again proven that her return to the fleet was worth the wait.

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are underway conducting carrier certification in preparation for their work-up phase leading to the 21st deployment. For more information about USS Enterprise, Command Carrier Strike Group 12 or Carrier Air Wing One visit www.Enterprise.navy.mil, www.ccsg12.surfor.navy.mil, and www.cvw1.navy.mil. You can also visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn65.