USS Russell Assists Vessel in Distress

Courtesy Photo | Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Mason, one of USS Russell's stretcher bearers takes vital signs while Russell's first lieutenant, Ensign Melanie Chambers and Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Thompson look on. Ensign Lisa Bydairk, Russell's communications officer, records the vital signs for a Somali patient brought aboard Russell. Russell responded to a vessel in distress between Bassasso, Somalia and the Yemeni coast in the Gulf of Aden June 8. The 45-foot small boat experienced serious engine problems leaving it unable to operate at sea and had been adrift for two days. Seven personnel were transferred to Russell and treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. Russell, deployed as a part of the USS Abraham Lincoln strike Group, is operating as a part of Combined Task Force 150. CTF 150 conducts maritime security operations between the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack of to transport personnel, weapons or other material.  

06.08.2008

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, 5th Fleet Public Affairs Office

GULF OF ADEN – USS Russell responded to a vessel in distress between Bossasso, Somalia and the Yemeni coast in the Gulf of Aden June 8.

A Combined Task Force 150 air asset notified Russell of the small boat's distress call. Russell, operating nearby, proceeded at maximum speed and arrived on-scene to assist the vessel.

The 45-foot small boat experienced serious engine problems leaving it unable to operate at sea and had been adrift for two days.

There were approximately 70 personnel on board the vessel, some of whom were in need of immediate medical attention. Seven personnel were transferred to Russell and treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. The vessel was also re-provisioned for the night and Russell is towing it towards Somalia where the small boat and patients will be turned over to Somali authorities.

Coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical

Russell, deployed as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, is operating as part of CTF 150. CTF150 conducts Maritime Security Operations between the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

• Date Taken: 06.08.2008
• Date Posted: 06.17.2008 15:58
• Story ID: 20565