USS Oak Hill Provides Aid to Motor Vessel off Coast of Somalia

Courtesy Photo | Operations Specialist Seaman Nicholas Cheramie, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) boarding team member, climbs back aboard USS Oak Hill after helping deliver food and water to the crew of the Bhakti Sagar. Oak Hill's VBSS team boarded the Bhakti Sagar after receiving a distress call late March 29. USS Oak Hill is currently underway in the Indian Ocean conducting Maritime Security Operations.  

ABOARD USS OAK HILL, AT SEA

04.03.2006

Courtesy Story

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By Ensign Dave Nobles and Journalist 2nd Class Daniel Gay, Oak Hill Public Affairs

ABOARD USS OAK HILL (LSD 51), At Sea - USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) provided assistance to a distressed vessel approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia March 30, while conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the area.

The crew of Motor Vessel Bhakti Sagar contacted Oak Hill via radio, asking for assistance. As part of MSO, coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress providing medical assistance, engineering assistance, and search and rescue. The motor vessel's crew said they needed food, water and fuel.

"I was surprised to hear them call me over the radio," said Ensign Andrew Wilcox, the officer of the deck at the time the U.S. ship received the distress call. Shortly after dawn Oak Hill sent a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team to the motor vessel to assess how Oak Hill could help.

"The crew was scared at first, but after they saw we were there to help them they calmed down," said Operations Specialist Seaman Nicholas Cheramie, VBSS boarding team member.

The boarding team recommended fuel and water replenishments for the Indian-flagged vessel. Oak Hill's deck department immediately began rigging mooring lines, fenders, replenishment lines, fuel hoses and water hoses in order to replenish the Bhakti Sagar.

"We got the tasking on pretty short notice," said Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Jeff Gomez, deck department's leading chief petty officer. "After we readied all the gear and went through safety briefs it was a very smooth evolution. The shiphandlers did an incredible job. We were able to lower fuel lines, water lines, supplies and personnel directly from Oak Hill's main deck to the Bhakti Sagar."

While alongside, Oak Hill provided the motor vessel with approximately 3,000 gallons of fresh water, 110 pounds each of flour and rice, processed meat and two cases of meals ready-to-eat (MRE's). In addition, the 15-man, Indian crew received hot dinners from Oak Hill's galley, 3,900 gallons of JP5 diesel fuel and medical supplies. Bhakti's crew also received medical assistance and more than 30 pairs of sandals.

"We got a clear indication that they were happy to see us to say the least," said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Clennon Roe, Oak Hill's VBSS boarding officer. "It was very gratifying just knowing that we could help them out in whatever way possible."

Oak Hill Sailors say they take pride in providing assistance to the distressed vessel. Cmdr. Ray Stapf, Oak Hill's commanding officer, says his crew's teamwork made the emergency assistance possible.

"The operations we conducted today were some of the most challenging that I've ever witnessed in my 24-year career. We had a security force, medical team, logistics personnel, engineers, carpenters, electricians, electronic technicians, boatswain mates, intelligence experts, translators and even administrative assistants working in tandem to accomplish the mission safely and effectively," said Stapf.

"The Oak Hill pride, professionalism and teamwork from start to finish was eye-watering. My crew makes me proud every day, and today they numbed me with their professionalism and commitment."

Oak Hill deployed in late January and is currently conducting MSO as part of the Dutch-led Coalition Task Force (CTF) 150. CTF 150 operates in the Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment.

MSO complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

• Date Taken: 04.03.2006
• Date Posted: 04.03.2006 09:53
• Story ID: 5929
• Location: ABOARD USS OAK HILL, AT SEA