USS Stennis sailors help injured cyclist

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
Story by Seaman Daniel Schumacher

Date: 08.22.2013
Posted: 08.29.2013 01:26
News ID: 112800
USS Stennis sailors help cyclist

BREMERTON, Wash. — Two sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) aided a civilian cyclist who was struck by a car in Silverdale, Wash., Aug. 22.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Jennifer Cunningham, from Bloomington, Ill., accompanied by Seaman Aaron Singer, from Pearl City, Hawaii, was driving Stennis’ Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) van when they observed a female lying on the side of the road next to a damaged bicycle.

“We didn’t know the situation, but we were not going to drive past her and hope everything went well,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham parked the van next to the injured woman and asked if she needed help. She explained to the sailors that she was hit by a car and suffered injuries to her leg and head.

“Her leg was already turning a dark purple color,” said Cunningham.

Singer stayed with the cyclist while Cunningham called 911. The sailors remained at the scene with the injured cyclist until paramedics arrived.

“We just wanted to make sure the cyclist was OK,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham and Singer’s actions were recognized by Stennis’ commanding officer, Capt. Michael Wettlaufer, who personally thanked them during an all-hands announcement on the ship’s public address system.

“I didn’t do this for attention or praise,” said Cunningham. “I’m glad, however, that we, the Navy, are being recognized for stopping to do the right thing instead of just driving by.”

Stennis, home ported in Bremerton, Wash., is currently undergoing a Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis 74.