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USS George H.W. Bush Aids Vessel in Distress

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101203-15
12/3/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian M. Brooks, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) delivered aid to a stranded sailboat in distress approximately 90 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., Dec. 3.

The aircraft carrier, currently conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for a 2011 deployment, was approximately 30 miles away from the sailboat Shangri-La when the distress call was received at 4 a.m.

The stranded boat, homeported in Norfolk, Va., ran out of fuel trying to return to Norfolk in high winds and lost its sail. George H.W. Bush assisted the ship by sending fuel over in one of its rigid hulled inflatable boats.

"We were fortunate to be at the right place at the right time," said Capt. Chip Miller, commanding officer. "Assisting fellow mariners on the seas is one of the many missions Navy ships are always prepared to execute. Every time we go to sea or conduct an exercise, we train for the unexpected, and today we had the opportunity to do just that."

The four crew members of the 65-foot catamaran sailboat left Norfolk on Monday to sail to the British Virgin Islands, but now plan to return home.

George H.W. Bush is in the Atlantic Ocean conducting training.