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Iwo Jima Begins Hurricane Rita Relief Ops

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050925-03
Release Date: 9/25/2005 7:34:00 PM

By Journalist 3rd Class Chris Gethings, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

ABOARD USS IWO JIMA, Gulf of Mexico (NNS) -- Hurricane Rita disaster relief operations began Sept. 25 on board USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) when helicopters from embarked squadrons left for the coastal regions of Louisiana to perform search and rescue (SAR) operations and flood assessment missions.

Iwo Jima has been following Hurricane Rita across the Gulf of Mexico to be prepared to respond quickly after the storm made landfall. Rita went ashore early Sept. 24 as a Category 3 hurricane, and Iwo Jima was among the first responders in relief efforts.

“We received tasking to support SAR missions with the Air Force and Coast Guard in southeast Louisiana,” said Cmdr. Bob Makowsky, SAR duty officer with the rescue coordination center on board Iwo Jima. “[All] services combined, we rescued more than 70 people today. One of our helicopters came across a diabetic stranded with no medicine, so they took her to a Lafayette hospital for treatment.”

Makowsky said there have been some very good things done so far, and to expect more to come.

The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship was moored at New Orleans in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts until Sept. 21, when the ship was forced to move out to open waters to avoid Hurricane Rita.

“We had to fly through heavy thunderstorms with winds of up to 60 knots to get to the areas where we’re doing SAR operations,” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Chris Kasprzyk, crew chief with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 42. “It’s definitely paid off, though. We rescued nine people today, and it went great.”

Kasprzyk explained how he saw flooding miles inland - in some places up to ten feet of water. One thing he took note of was residents helping residents. “I saw residents in their fishing boats out looking for people who needed help. I also saw a lot of the people gathering up in groups to take care of each other, and that kind of stuff makes our job much easier,” Kasprzyk added.

“We did just as the President said: ‘Find your job and do it,’” said Iwo Jima Commanding Officer Capt. Richard S. Callas.