Homeland Security

McCampbell Sailors Prepare to Assist in Indonesian Humanitarian Efforts

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091008-12
Release Date: 10/8/2009 3:56:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder, Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

INDIAN OCEAN (NNS) -- The Indonesian government has requested assistance for the humanitarian efforts, and McCampbell will join the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) as part of The recovery operations led by Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, which is coordinating U.S. military assistance.

During the ship's transit, departments aboard McCampbell compiled a list of personnel willing to volunteer their time to go ashore and assist in whatever way possible. McCampbell will send as many possible to shore while still supporting the needs of the ship's operational schedule, watch requirements, and the flight schedule of McCampbell's embarked helicopter detachment, the "Warlords" of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 Det. 5.

Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Bradley Bonman, a Boston native and volunteer, explained the importance of naval forces conducting assistance and disaster response operations.

"It's not every day you get an opportunity to help someone out like this," he said. "This is one of the jobs of the Navy, to help people out when they need it."

Though the volunteers will not have specific assignments until they arrive in Padang, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) Brittany Robinson of Umatilla, Fla., expressed her excitement to add to the effort.

"We're making sure everyone is medically fit to prepare our troops to help the Indonesians. I think it's going to be great. It's going to be a real contribution to our Navy," she said.

USS McCampbell is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, and patrols the 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting routine operations.