USS Carl Vinson Passes Sea Trials After Upgrade

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Carl Vinson Leaves Shipyard Ahead of Schedule
UNITED STATES - 7 DECEMBER 2009

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. --- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) departed the Northrop Grumman Naval Shipyard in Newport News, Va., after completing an extensive four-year refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) and a 14-week Post Shakedown Availability/Supplemental Restricted Availability (PSA/SRA) period, Dec. 3.

Carl Vinson immediately went to sea to conduct Sea Trials in preparation for its homeport transfer to San Diego.

Carl Vinson's Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce Lindsey said he thinks the crew did a great job bringing the ship out of the shipyard ahead of schedule.

"The crew did a fantastic job," said Lindsey. "Not only did we deliver during PSA, but we caught up on training we missed during RCOH and became the first carrier in 16 years to leave a commercial shipyard early."

Carl Vinson Sailors were relieved to have their ship become operational again, as some have been aboard for most of the time while in the shipyard. Vinson is the third nuclear aircraft carrier to have successfully completed 25 years of service and to undergo RCOH.

Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class (SW) Jaymes Linenkohl, the Engineering Interior Communications leading petty officer, came aboard Vinson at the very beginning of RCOH.

"When RCOH started there was nothing. The ship was completely gutted. It looked like bare metal with compartments," said Linenkohl. "Now it doesn't even look like the same ship. I'm very proud of all the work I put into getting this ship ready to go underway."

Lt. Eugene Osborn, who has been aboard the ship since Feb. 2008, says the opportunity to bring a ship out of the shipyard and into the fleet doesn't happen often.

"It'll be good to have the ship be fully operational again," said Osborn. "It'll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience; it's not every day you get to sail the Atlantic, visit foreign ports, and pull into San Diego."

Carl Vinson's move to Norfolk is one step in her move to San Diego, which will be her homeport.

"It's going to be really nice to finally get out of the shipyards and get a chance to do our jobs," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman James Hullender, who has been aboard the ship since May. "I'll be a shellback, and I'll get to see new countries I've never seen before. It'll be a really fun trip."

The short underway ended on Saturday, Dec. 5 with the ship pulling into Naval Station Norfolk. Carl Vinson is scheduled to transit around the Horn of South America and ultimately homeport in San Diego during the spring of 2010.

The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), seen here performing high-speed turns during rudder checks, has now completed its sea trails after an extended refit.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 29, 2009) A T-45 training aircraft approaches the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) for an arrested landing during a pilot training exercise.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 29, 2009) A T-45 Goshawk training aircraft practices carrier approach touch-and-goes aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a pilot training exercise.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 16, 2009) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 prepares to land on USS Carl Vinson's (CVN 70) flight deck during routine flight operations.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 15, 2009) F/A-18 Super Hornets wait to taxi to their catapult for launch from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).



ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 15, 2009) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 316 approaches for a landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 15, 2009) A C-2A Greyhound assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 approaches for a landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.

 

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Northrop Grumman Redelivers USS Carl Vinson on Budget and on Schedule After Successful Maintenance and Modernization Work
UNITED STATES - - 8 DECEMBER 2009

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) redelivered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), to the U.S. Navy on December 4 after the ship successfully completed sea trials, two days ahead of schedule. The redelivery follows the completion of modernization, maintenance, and guarantee work accomplished during the ship's post shakedown availability (PSA) and selected restricted availability (SRA).

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding was the prime contractor for the work, which was carried out in its Newport News shipyard. PSA and SRA are typical availabilities in the life of a carrier following its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). Work included modernization of the ship's control and piping systems, installation of a new oxygen generator system, and repairs to the boat and aircraft cranes.

"We are proud of what we have accomplished working with the ship's crew to complete this work and return Vinson to the active fleet again," said Jim Hughes, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's vice president of aircraft carrier overhauls. "Northrop Grumman has been a continuous partner with the Navy on this ship for over 25 years and has maintained a strong relationship with the crew during the recent RCOH, PSA and SRA. Together, with all involved government activities, we met our commitments and completed this project safely, ahead of schedule and within budget and are delivering a high-quality ship back into our nation's carrier fleet."
Named for former U.S. Rep. Carl Vinson, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was built in Newport News, Va., by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and was christened in 1980. The congressman attended the christening ceremony at age 96 and became the first living American to have a Navy ship named in his honor. The ship was commissioned by the Navy in 1982.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding redelivered the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), to the U.S. Navy on December 4 after the ship successfully completed sea trials, two days ahead of schedule.



Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation

 

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Carl Vinson Air Department Works to Certify Flight Deck
UNITED STATES - 13 DECEMBER 2009

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea -- Air Department Sailors aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are working toward carrier flight deck certification during the December underway period.

The flight deck certification is a two-day process to conduct flight deck drills demonstrating Air Department can safely handle all emergency situations such as an aircraft fire or crashes on the landing area.

The first day consists of day launching, day recovery and taxi drills during the night. Day two of the flight deck certification is day and night launch and recovery of the squadron aircrafts. Air Department Sailors assigned to the hangar bay also conduct a series of tests proving their ability to identify and correctly direct the aircrafts inside the hangar bay.

"For flight deck certification, Air Department must demonstrate flight operations safely and the only way we can do that is to utilize the air wings," said Lt. Cmdr. Jerome Morris, the handler aboard Carl Vinson.

There are a total of 10 different squadrons on board, including two helicopter squadrons to assist with flight deck certifications. The squadrons come aboard not only to provide jets, pilots and maintenance crew for Carl Vinson flight operations, but to qualify training pilots assigned to the air wing for flight deck take-off and landing.

"Without the air wing's planes and pilots we cannot complete our flight deck certification," said Morris. "The mission is to conduct and sustain flight operations and we need them in order to launch and recover airplanes."

To ensure Air Department was ready for the current flight deck certifications, Sailors deployed with a number of ships throughout the fleet. Sailors earned qualifications to prepare for flight deck certifications such as aircraft director, tractor drivers and pump-room operators.

"We sent Sailors from all different Air Department divisions to several ships to earn qualifications during the (Post-Shakedown Availability/ Supplemental Restricted Availability) PSA/SRA," said Morris.

If Air Department passes this set of drills and flight operations, Carl Vinson will be clear to perform flight operations during the transit to San Diego in early January.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 10, 2009) An SH-60 Sea Hawk Helicopter prepares to land aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during flight deck certifications.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 10, 2009) Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jorge Agostini, Fly 1 Petty Officer, directs a team member on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during flight deck certifications.

 

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USS Carl Vinson Arrives in Haiti to Support Humanitarian Operations
15 JANUARY 2010

USS CARL VINSON, At sea -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrived off the coast of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 15 to commence humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Carl Vinson received orders from U.S. Southern Command to deliver assistance to the Caribbean nation following a 7.3 magnitude earthquake which caused catastrophic damage within the capital city Jan. 12. The aircraft carrier's speed, flexibility and sustainability make it an ideal platform to carry out relief operations.
"Our initial focus is to concentrate on saving lives while providing first responder support to the people of Haiti. Our assistance here reflects our nation's compassion and commitment to those impacted by this tragedy," said Rear. Adm. Ted Branch, commander of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Navy's sea-based humanitarian support mission of Haiti.

The carrier arrived on station with a robust airlift capability, picking up extra helicopters while in transit that will will prove essential during the mission.

Carl Vinson commanding officer Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey said, "When tasked to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Haiti, we immediately headed to Mayport, Fla., at more than 30 knots and loaded 19 helicopters, personnel and support equipment from five different East Coast Navy squadrons in less than eight hours. There is no other platform that can do all of that so quickly."

U.S. Southern Command is well-versed in providing humanitarian assistance to the region. Since 2005, the command has led U.S. military support to 14 major relief missions, including assistance to Haiti in September 2008. During that mission, U.S. military forces airlifted 3.3 million pounds of aid to communities that were devastated by a succession of major storms.

NORFOLK (Jan. 14, 2010) Sailors assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 prepare a C-2A Greyhound for its flight to Cuba to assist the Nimitiz class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in its mission to provide disaster relief to Haiti. This is part of a larger relief effort spearheaded by the U.S. government to help those affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake.





ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 13, 2010) A flight deck crew member directs a SH-60F Sea Hawk assigned to the Red Lions of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15, during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 have received orders from U.S. Southern Command to render humanitarian assistance to the Caribbean nation of Haiti, following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 13, 2010) SH-60F Sea Hawks assigned to the Red Lions of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15 land aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 have received orders from U.S. Southern Command to render humanitarian assistance to the Caribbean nation of Haiti, following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 13, 2010) An SH-60F Sea Hawk assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7, lands aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 have received orders to render humanitarian assistance to the Caribbean nation of Haiti, following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake Jan. 12.



JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Jan 13, 2010) An SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7 lifts off from Naval Air Station Jacksonville to embark aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) en route to Haiti. The squadron and several Navy vessels are underway to render humanitarian assistance after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation.

 

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) shown operating off the coast of Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake disaster



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) awaits the return of Carrier Air Wing (CAG) 17 aircraft along the coast of Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 arrived in Haiti Jan. 15 to provide food, supplies, humanitarian aid and emergency assistance following the countryís earthquake disaster of Jan. 12.



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) The guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), foreground, and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrive off the coast of Haiti. The U.S. Navy is providing food, supplies, humanitarian aid and emergency assistance following a 7.0 earthquake disaster of Jan. 12.



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) On board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), a flight deck crew member signals to an MH-53E Sea Dragon carrying water and supplies to Haiti relief efforts. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake disaster.



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) A SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Red Lions of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15, delivers water and supplies to Haiti as part of rescue and relief efforts. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake disaster.



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) A Naval Air Crewman from the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) returns to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) after delivering supplies to the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) off the coast of Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations in Haiti in response to the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake disaster.



PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan. 15, 2010) Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) move pallets of relief supplies as the ship arrives off the coast of Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan 12, 2010.



PORT-AU-PRINCE (Jan. 15, 2010) The guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) is underway off the coast of Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 17 are conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan 12, 2010.

 

[K^se]

Word can't comprehend what kind of emotions im going through..I thank God everyday that I live in a Country such as ours..

-God Bless U.S.A

 

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USNS Comfort Readies to Leave for Haiti
UNITED STATES - 16 JANUARY 2010

BALTIMORE -- Early last spring, Capt. James Ware was preparing his crew aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) for a humanitarian assistance mission in Haiti, the first stop during a four-month swing through the region.

Ware is overseeing final preparations Jan. 15 to return to Haiti for a more pressing mission: providing life-saving medical care to victims of a devastating earthquake that killed tens of thousands and left untold thousands more injured.

Comfort will leave its home port here early Jan. 16 and is expected to arrive in Haiti by Jan. 21, delivering a full spectrum of medical and surgical services aboard one of the country's largest trauma facilities.

"This is a moment when we feel we can have a huge impact," along with other military medical providers already on the ground, as well as those from nongovernmental organizations and the international community, Ware said. "Our hope is to work with those individuals, side by side, to truly help the people of Haiti."

Comfort will deliver immense capability to the mission. The hulking hospital ship - three football fields long and one wide – has 250 hospital beds and a 550-person medical team that includes trauma surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, eye surgeons and obstetricians and gynecologists.

The team also will include medical professionals from the Navy, Army, Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service, as well as nongovernmental organizations.

Ware said he expects his staff to initially see about 500 patients a day when it arrives in Haiti, working up to 750 or more, and to conduct 20 to 25 surgical procedures a day.

But his big focus Jan. 15 was on getting the ship manned, equipped and provisioned for the mission ahead. A massive logistical effort was under way to load the food, water and medical supplies the crew - most from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., but also from its sister hospitals in Portsmouth, Va., and San Diego, Calif., - will need.

Two cranes worked simultaneously, hoisting palletized loads of bottled water, packaged meals and other supplies to Comfort's upper decks. Meanwhile, a long line of tractor trailers that began arriving last night idled nearby, waiting to offload their supplies. Engine roars mingled with the ever-present "beep-beep-beep" of forklifts scurrying in almost every direction alongside the vessel.

Comfort initially will carry enough food and water to sustain its crew – 550 medical specialists and 250 mariners and staff to provide security, communications and other shipboard support – and the patients who will fill its 250 hospital beds for up to 60 days, Ware said.

In addition, the ship has enough medical supplies aboard to support a 60-day combat casualty care mission, he said.

Ware said he's confident he'll have everything he needs on board to proceed directly to Haiti without having to stop anywhere else en route to pick up additional crew or supplies.

"We have pushed forward on this end to make sure we have the right personnel," he said. "We have looked all the way down to the very lowest seaman on board to determine whether they have the exact skills sets we need – from an operating technician to a surgeon to a blood-bank specialist.

"And we have identified 99 percent of those individuals," he continued. "So [the] plan is to leave tomorrow, and we will be moving as quickly as possible to get to Port-au-Prince Harbor."

As much as 70 percent of the crew already has experience aboard Comfort, or its sister ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) in San Diego, Ware said. In addition to on board training sessions conducted every 12 weeks, many participated in Continuing Promise 2009, Comfort's most recent humanitarian assistance mission through Latin America and the Caribbean.

During that mission, Comfort treated almost 100,000 patients, including tens of thousands in Haiti alone.

The visit provided important lessons to the Comfort crew it will apply during its disaster response mission, he said, but also fostered relationships that will help in its upcoming mission.

"They are waiting for us to come," Ware said, citing numerous phone calls and e-mails he has received from people he's already worked with in Haiti. "And I think those [relationships] will really pay off – not for us, but for the people of Haiti."

Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Olivero, department head for Comfort's operating room, is preparing for a mission he expects to be heavy in head injuries, crushing injuries, amputations and other trauma cases. His crew will exercise various trauma scenarios once it's all onboard and under way, to be sure it's ready to hit the ground running when it arrives.

Olivero remembers the gratification of Continuing Promise 2009, when "a busy day for us was a good day, because we were helping many people."

He expects to be even busier during this mission, too, but acknowledged the circumstances will be a lot tougher to deal with.

"It is going to be good to help people, but the reason you are busy is not what you want it to be," he said.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lesley Prasad, one of just 50 permanently assigned crew members aboard Comfort, said it feels great seeing the hospital ship provide such a desperately needed service to relieve suffering in Haiti. It's kept him and his fellow crew members buzzing nonstop for the past four days "on full steam" to prepare so they're ready to hit the ground running.

"I feel really good about this," he said, pausing as he ordered last-minute medical supplies for the mission. "We are the best qualified crew medically, [and we're] ready to help these people in Haiti," he said. "To be able to have such a vital role in the effort, it's awesome."


File Photo: USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Length: 272 m

 

[S-2]

Stunning photos, stud.

Many, many thanks.

Thanks.

 

[H2O3C4Nitrogen]

Wow great efforts by the US gov to provide relief to Haiti...!
Awesome pics ..!

 

[remarker]

good job

good

 

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Marines Embark on Haiti Response Mission
UNITED STATES - 15 JANUARY 2010

WASHINGTON -- About 2,000 North Carolina-based Marines are making final preparations Jan. 15 to embark to earthquake-ravaged Haiti Jan. 16 to provide disaster-relief efforts.

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will bring a multi-mission capability to Haiti to provide disaster relief and, if necessary, security assistance, a spokesman for the unit said during a telephone news conference Jan. 15 from Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Marines expect to provide direct support for the ongoing relief efforts there, although they haven't been given a specific mission yet. But they're well prepared for any number of challenges, said Marine Corps Capt. Clark Carpenter.

"We foresee this mission as however our assets can best be applied to the situation," said Carpenter. "We will be able to support any number of things that will be asked of us. I think the key is to get down there and figure out how our assets are going to best support the mission."

Carpenter said the 22nd MEU is well suited for this type of operation because of its amphibious capability - supplies, aid, equipment and manpower can be moved by sea and air. And while the infrastructure in Haiti already is under stress, the Marines can base their operations from the sea, getting their food, water and shelter from ships rather than tapping into the limited supplies ashore, he added.

"We don't know if we're going to sea-base or not, [but it] reduces the strain on an already strained infrastructure," he explained. "We have a great flexibility from those ships. We can sea-base, push people to shore and run operations."

The force is deploying aboard three Navy ships – USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) – with CH-35 Chinook and UH-1 Huey helicopters. They're leaving their tanks and artillery equipment at home for this deployment, but will bring additional trucks and earth-moving equipment, the captain said.

Also, the 22nd MEU will deploy with additional French- and Creole-speaking interpreters, public affairs specialists and possibly more medical personnel and engineers from other Marine units. Carpenter praised the support the 22nd MEU has been given from fellow Marine units at Camp Lejeune and throughout the Marine Corps.

"The great thing about his whole process is that all the Marines here have bent over backwards to make sure we get what we need," he said. "It's been fast-paced organizing and getting ready to get on the ships, but it's been made a lot simpler by the singular focus of Marines on this base."

The Marines expect to depart by ship Jan. 16 and arrive in three to four days. The length of their deployment is uncertain for now, but the Marines are preparing to be gone for at least 30 days, he said.

"We're looking at a minimum of 30 days, but we're prepared to support the mission as long as we're asked to be down there," he added.

Despite returning in December 2009 from a seven-month deployment sailing through the U.S. European Command and U.S. Central Command areas, morale among the deploying Marines and their families is high, Carpenter said.

Many of the Marines were on post-deployment leave when they were recalled, he noted, but they're eager to help in relieving the Haitian people's suffering.

"We did just get back a month ago, but the morale is off the charts here," he said. "We are absolutely ready to go. The images we've been seeing on the news, it's catastrophic, and it's very sad.

"Marines are definitely warriors first, and that is what the world knows the Marines for," he continued, "[But] we're equally as compassionate when we need to be, and this is a role that we'd like to show - that compassionate warrior, reaching out with a helping hand for those who need it. We are very excited about this."

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (Jan. 15, 2010) Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) embark aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during preparations by the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission for a disaster response to the nation of Haiti. Bataan departed Naval Station Norfolk to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the aftermath of Haiti's devastating earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010.



MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (Jan. 15, 2010) Dozens of pallets of meals-ready-to-eat sit in a staging area before being loaded onto the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and other ships of the Bataan Amphibious Relief Mission during preparations for a disaster response effort for the nation of Haiti. Bataan departed Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 14, to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response in Haiti in the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Jan. 12, 2010.



NORFOLK (Jan. 14, 2010) A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft (ACU) 4 prepares to enter the well deck of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). Bataan left her homeport of Naval Station Norfolk en route to Haiti to provide humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince.

 

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 15, 2010) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) awaits the return of Carrier Air Wing (CAG) 17 aircraft along the coast of Haiti. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 arrived in Haiti Jan. 15 to provide food, supplies, humanitarian aid and emergency assistance following a 7.0 earthquake disaster on Jan. 12.



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan 15, 2010) U.S. Army soldiers unload food and supplies from a U.S. Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The U.S. military is conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan 12, 2010.



PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan 15, 2010) U.S. Navy SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) arrive at the airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The U.S. military is conducting humanitarian and disaster relief operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan 12, 2010.



VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2010) Sailors and Marines man the rails of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), as the ship departs Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Gunston Hall is deploying to Haiti to render humanitarian assistance after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

 

[Chanakyaa]

A perfect example how war machines can be so consoling in action.

 

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USS Normandy (CG 60) Deploys to Support Humanitarian Operation in Haiti
UNITED STATES - 15 JANUARY 2010

NORFOLK -- The Norfolk-based guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) left Norfolk Naval Station Jan. 13 in support of relief response for Haiti, after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the nation.

Normandy, along with the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and other U.S. military assets, will conduct humanitarian assistance/disaster response (HA/DR) efforts once on station off the coast of Haiti.

The Norfolk cruiser was selected to escort the Carl Vinson, which was underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Normandy will embark the Anti-submarine Squadron Light 46, Detachment 3 in Mayport, Fla.

"Just by taking in all the news reports, we know that there is a lot of hurt and need taking place in Haiti right now," said Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey T. Griffin. "We want to assist in whatever way we can and in general, support the carrier. Our hope is to contribute to the restoration of the affected parts of their country."
Prior to getting underway, Normandy was in the midst of conducting a minor maintenance period. Sailors on board, in conjunction with contractors and outside support units, worked continuously to get the ship ready to deploy in support of HA/DR missions, and were able to do so in in just 15 hours.

The ship is carrying several hundred meals-ready-to-eat (MRE) and bottles of water that can be distributed as directed by the Southern commander.

"It was stressful…but we pushed through," said Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class (SW) Demarcus Debose, 23, of Dallas, Texas, who was a key member of the supply onload. "We're glad to be able to do this and help out."

A chance to help out was on the minds of nearly all of Normandy's crew members.

"This is what I wanted to do when I joined the Navy, to aid people," said Sonar Technician 3rd Class John Kenny, 21, from Port Charlotte, Fla. "We know there are a lot of people in need there and they don't have a lot of resources. I'm not sure what impact we'll be able to make, but I hope to do as much as we can."

All on board Normandy are empathizing with the victims and want to see their lives restored as much as possible.

NORFOLK (Jan. 13, 2009) The guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) prepares to get underway for possible disaster response to Haiti. Normandy and several other Navy vessels are underway to render humanitarian assistance after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation.

 

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Davis-Monthan Airmen support Haiti
UNITED STATES - 15 JANUARY 2010

DAVIS-MONTHAN U.S. AIR FORCE BASE -- Members of the 79th Rescue Squadron based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base participated in a Haitian relief mission during the evening of Jan. 13 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

During this mission, Airmen on a C-130 Hercules delivered more than 13,000 pounds of cargo that include vehicles and equipment.

The Airmen also dropped off airfield operations personnel to help set up the airfield in Port-au-Prince and control the relief traffic in and out of the airfield.

"It felt great to be part of this mission to help the people of Haiti by setting up the main airfield to receive relief supplies," said Capt. Tim Saxton, the C-130 aircraft commander.

The 79th Rescue Squadron was at Pope AFB, N.C., conducting training when they were asked to transport cargo and personnel into Haiti. They were in the air with the cargo within five hours of the request.

"Our aircraft, personnel and equipment are currently standing by, ready to offer further support as needed," Lt. Col. Michael Hinsch, 79th Rescue Squadron director of operations.

A C-130 Hercules from the 79th Rescue Squadron sits on the runway Jan. 14, 2010, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Another C-130 from the squadron participated in a Haitian relief mission during the evening of Jan. 13 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. During this mission, Airmen delivered more than 13,000 pounds of cargo. They also dropped off airfield operations personnel to help set up the airfield in Port-au-Prince and control the relief traffic in and out of the airfield.