USS Nassau Concludes Hurricane Ike Disaster Response Efforts
Release Date: September 24, 2008
Release Number: 1791-036
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GALVESTON, Texas -- USS Nassau (LHA 4) is on the way back to her homeport in Norfolk, Va., after a week of supporting local, state and federal civil authorities in Galveston's recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
Nassau's sailors and marines accomplished a variety of disaster relief tasks set out by local officials.
As part of the coordinated federal effort, they distributed 16,440 Meals Ready to Eat (MREs); 13,835 cases of water; 25,285 bags of ice; took part in emergency debris removal clearing 1,075 cubic yards of debris; and delivered medical aid for 12 minor medical cases.
They also assisted in bringing critical infrastructure, such as the Port of Galveston and Scholes International Airport, back online.
"Our sailors and marines were able to come to the aid of their fellow Americans," said Captain Bob Lineberry, Commander, Amphibious Squadron Six.
"Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance is a capability that we take around the world, and it was just as important to help our own citizens. We will sail away from here proud of our accomplishments," Lineberry said.
Amphibious assault ships like Nassau have unique capabilities and can provide a variety of assets that can support recovery efforts following natural disasters.
Nassau brought two MH-60S Knighthawk search and rescue helicopters from the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Twenty-Eight, Detachment Four; Tactical Air Control Squadron Twenty-One; four landing craft utilities (LCUs) from Assault Craft Unit Two; Beachmaster Unit Two; Amphibious Construction Battalion Two (Seabees); and Fleet Surgical Team Two to Galveston.
The ship also deployed G.A.T.O.R. - Galveston Assistance Team - Overhaul Recovery - which is a team of more than 300 Sailors from throughout the ship who volunteered to provide additional manpower ashore.
U.S. Fleet Forces directed Nassau on Sept. 17 to proceed to Galveston following Hurricane Ike's landfall. U.S. Fleet Forces is the maritime component command of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Department of Defense's lead supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The ship was already under way conducting routine training operations off the coast of Virginia when called upon to prepare for possible disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Ike.
Nassau's mission is to embark, deploy and land a Marine landing force by helicopter, attack aircraft or amphibious vehicle. This multipurpose ship has a highly trained crew and ready capabilities to perform many types of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 24-Sep-2008 20:18:50