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YOKOSUKA, Japan - (June 22, 2020) A Sailor assigned to a Virginia-class submarine on deployment in the Indo-Pacific experienced a dental emergency that triggered the first bubble to bubble transfer between two forward deployed task forces.
The standard solution to getting the Sailor treated would have been a medical evacuation to a shore-based facility. However, amidst the global coronavirus pandemic, units across U.S. 7th Fleet banded together to preserve a COVID-free bubble of health for the Sailor.
Top priority was given to ensure the Sailor received the necessary medical care, while maintaining a bubble of health that allowed the Sailor to safely return on board and contribute to the submarine’s operational tasking.
In what became an integrated effort between Carrier Strike Group 5 and Commander, Task Force (CTF) 74, an innovative plan was devised to maintain the warfighting readiness of both units. The submariner was transported by Strike Group 5 aircraft to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and received treatment from the Dental Department on board the ship.
Although this had been done quite frequently for Sailors assigned to cruisers and destroyers, it had never been done for a deployed submarine before. The logistics and teamwork were impressive.
“Usually the simplest solution with the fewest moving parts is the best, however, to minimize health risk to our units, a more complex plan was called for,” explained CAPT Jesse Zimbauer, Task Force 74’s Maritime Operations Center Director. “Both units are critical to maintaining security and stability in the Indo Pacific. If the bubble broke with that Sailor, he would have to stay ashore to preserve the boat’s operational readiness and the health of our forces.”
The “Bubble to Bubble” transfer was carefully planned from start to finish. As a backup, U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka staff had been notified of the possible patient, and had a dedicated oral surgeon and technician on standby. The patient returned to the submarine the following day after a relatively uncomplicated procedure. The warfighting readiness of two crucial assets had been preserved thanks to the teamwork between two task forces.
“The entire crew of our boat greatly appreciates all of the efforts of the CTF74 staff, Ronald Reagan crew, and everyone who assisted in getting the Sailor the medical care he needed,” said Cmdr. Michael Fisher, the submarine’s commanding officer. “Their support was outstanding and leaves our unit in a much stronger place. I was incredibly impressed by the operation.”
As for the patient, he will have quite a sea-story to tell his grand kids as the only submariner who logged a catapult trap and launch while on deployment, a claim many of the over 5000 sailors on board Reagan can’t even make.
Virginia-class submarines incorporate the latest in stealth, intelligence gathering and weapons systems technology. They can carry up to 24 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles. They can be deployed for a wide range of operations including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, special operations forces support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare missions.
| Date Taken: | 06.22.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 07.14.2020 23:35 |
| Story ID: | 372552 |
| Location: | JP |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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