US and Iraq navy cooperation assists injured mariner

PERSIAN GULF, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

10.19.2011

Courtesy Story

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

By: U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

PERSIAN GULF - U.S. and Iraq navies assisted an injured mariner in the northern Persian Gulf, Oct. 19.

Indian-flagged and owned M/T Desh Garima contacted U.S. guided missile destroyer USS Russell, which was operating in the area, for
assistance with an Indian mariner who had a hand injury requiring medical attention.

Russell's independent duty corpsman initially provided advice by radio
before being transported to Desh Garima by one of Russell's rigid hulled inflatable boats. Once onboard, the IDC determined the injury was not life threatening, but the mariner needed additional care not available on either ship.

Russell coordinated with the Iraq navy to provide a patrol boat to evacuate the mariner to a shore-based medical facility.

Russell is on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 10.19.2011
• Date Posted: 10.31.2011 01:24
• Story ID: 79292
• Location: PERSIAN GULF, USAFRICOM, AT SEA