Truman, Artic Assist Stranded Sailors

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Moore | The last of seven shipwrecked survivors is escorted across the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) after being rescued at sea by two helicopters assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, the "Sea Knights", from the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Dec. 23. The seven mariners, four Pakistani and three Indian, were recovered after their dhow sank in rough seas. The survivors were adrift for two days before being discovered by the British-flagged vessel MV British Courage. Truman and Arctic are currently deployed to the Arabian Gulf as part of the on-going rotation to support Maritime Security Operations in the region. Coalition forces conduct MSO under international conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping and fishing can operate freely while transiting the region. (U. S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Moore)  

ABOARD USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, AT SEA

12.24.2007

Courtesy Story

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

From USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

ABOARD USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea – Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and fast combat support ship USNS Artic (T AOE 8) rescued seven mariners adrift in a raft at approximately 10 a.m. today, in the central Persian Gulf.

While conducting a replenishment-at-sea with Truman, Arctic received a bridge-to-bridge radio call from the British-flagged cargo vessel MV British Courage requesting assistance rescuing the stranded mariners, who were floating approximately three miles ahead of Truman.

The ships performed an emergency break away, and Arctic, operated by the Navy's Military Sealift Command, dispatched two MH-60S helicopters to the scene. Arctic put one rescue swimmer in the water who recovered the four Pakistanis and three Indian mariners. The helicopter crews brought the mariners to Truman for medical treatment, food and water. All are currently in good condition and awaiting transfer back to the United Arab Emirates.

The mariners had been transporting cargo from Dubai when their dhow sailed into rough seas and broke its keel. When the vessel started taking on too much water to remain afloat, the mariners abandoned ship into a life raft where they remained for two days before the rescue.

Truman, attached to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10 (CCSG 10), and Arctic are currently deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the on-going rotation to support Maritime Security Operations in the region. Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

The Truman Carrier Strike Group is made up of (CCSG 10) staff, Truman, Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW 3), Commander, Destroyer Squadron 26 (CDS-26) staff, guided missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Hue City (CG 66); guided missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81); the Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFG 339); and the British destroyer HMS Manchester (D 95). Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons VFA-11, VFA-32, VFA-37 and VFA-105; Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron VAQ-130; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron VAW-126; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron HS-7.

• Date Taken: 12.24.2007
• Date Posted: 12.24.2007 13:18
• Story ID: 14963
• Location: ABOARD USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, AT SEA