Bataan Renders Assistance to Civilian Fishing Boat

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Minami | 161209-N-UM082-027 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2016) Chief engineer David Ritter of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), renders assistance to a disabled fishing boat and her crew. Bataan is underway with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) participating in ARG/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (ARG/MEUEX). (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Raymond Minami/Released)  

ATLANTIC OCEAN

12.09.2016

Story by Chief Petty Officer Anastasia McCarroll 

USS Bataan (LHD 5)

By Petty Officer 1st Class (SW/AW) Barry A. Riley, USS Bataan Public Affairs

The two-person crew from the vessel contacted the Bataan through bridge to bridge communications at approximately 8:20 a.m. to request assistance after experiencing issues with their electrical system.

The Bataan was able to respond within approximately 20 minutes by maneuvering alongside the boat, throwing mooring lines to the small boat and tying them to the starboard side of the ship.

The Bataan crew tried several methods to fix the vessel’s electrical issues, but could not get it to start.

“We tried to give him a jump start but didn’t have enough amps to get [the boat’s] diesel to turn over,” said Bataan’s Chief Engineer Cmdr. David Ritter.

Bataan Executive Officer Cmdr. Sylvester Steele said the response is all a part the U.S. Navy’s mission when out to sea.

“After being on Bataan only a week, it was fantastic to see the calibration between the Navy and Marines and the capabilities we can provide while doing multiple missions at once,” said Steele.

The fishing vessel was detached from Bataan and the USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) has been tasked to remain in the area to monitor and assure the vessel gets further assistance from the United States Coast Guard.

“It’s a Navy ships’ obligation to respond and assist mariners distressed at sea,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Pfister. “We share that common bond when we’re on the water. Even though we couldn’t provide them with the equipment they needed. I’m just glad that were in the area to receive the call.”

The Bataan is underway with the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) for ARG/ Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise.

• Date Taken: 12.09.2016
• Date Posted: 12.10.2016 16:01
• Story ID: 217169
• Location: ATLANTIC OCEAN