Germantown Sailors Provide Medical Assistance to Injured Iranian Fisherman

Courtesy Photo | ARABIAN GULF (May 7, 2006) - Sailors from USS Germantown (LSD 42) prepare to board an Iranian dhow after the vessel called for assistance for an injured crewmember. A Navy corpsman from Germantown provided medical assistance for the injured Iranian fisherman. Germantown is deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material. U.S. Navy photograph (RELEASED).  

ABOARD USS GERMANTOWN, AT SEA

05.08.2006

Courtesy Story

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From U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42), At sea - Sailors from USS Germantown (LSD 42) provided medical assistance to an injured Iranian fisherman, May 7, in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

During routine surveillance of three dhows by Germantown's Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, radio contact revealed an injured crewmember on one of the vessels. The dhow's master stated that the crewmember injured a foot during rough seas the day before and requested medical assistance from the VBSS team.

A corpsman from Germantown was then transported to the dhow, where he diagnosed the injured man with a severe sprain and possible fracture of the left foot. The corpsman wrapped the injured foot in a splint and provided ice to reduce the swelling.

"This was another case where the continued presence of maritime coalition forces in the Arabian Gulf resulted in an opportunity to help out a fellow mariner in need," said Cmdr. John Deehr, USS Germantown's command officer. "This wasn't a shot in the dark of two ships randomly passing, but the direct product of a dedicated strategy to provide security and assistance in the area. We were happy to help and believe we make a difference in both the crewmember's long term health and the security in the region."

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

• Date Taken: 05.08.2006
• Date Posted: 05.08.2006 10:58
• Story ID: 6291
• Location: ABOARD USS GERMANTOWN, AT SEA