Soldiers Provide Communications Support in Haiti

Army Pfc. Paul Garland and Pfc. Sean McCall check the setup up of an antenna for voice and data tactical communications in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Feb. 28, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Robert J. Fluegel

By Navy Lt. Arlo Abrahamson, Special to American Forces Press Service

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Soldiers assigned to the communications directorate for the Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command have played a critical role in supporting civil affairs and other humanitarian operations conducted by U.S. special operations forces here during Operation Unified Response.

Special operations forces served as the commander's eyes on the ground during the early days of the rescue and recovery phases of relief operations in the wake of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Jan. 12. These tasks rely heavily on vital links between forward elements and operational commanders, a support capability that Signal Corps soldiers bring to an operation.

"There's a lot of coordination and streamlining that goes into our job, because we have to work across a variety of networks and satellite feeds," said Army Staff Sgt. Kelly Williams, a communications team leader. "We have to ensure the end user, our people in the field, have the signal capabilities they need to accomplish their assigned tasks."

To remain mission capable, Williams said, computer networks must continue to run efficiently, and tactical, radio and satellite communications equipment must be managed and maintained.

"There's a lot of security protocols and other procedures we must follow to run efficient networks," Williams said, "but we try to make that as transparent as possible for our users."

But as Army Staff Sgt. Wayne Potts explained, there's also a hands-on portion of their mission.

"The civil affairs teams bring communications equipment with them to the field, but we show them how to get the most out of this equipment," Potts said. "We want to make sure they have the right capabilities when they get to where they are going so they can concentrate on the overall mission we have here in Haiti."

That mission, humanitarian operations, is one these soldiers know they have enhanced with the skills they bring to the operation.

"We feel good knowing we played a part in the overall success of our mission," said Army Sgt. Derek Auguste. "Communications are vital to any operation – everyone has to talk and coordinate with each other. We feel like we created an environment where that could be successful."

Operation Unified Response Support Flows Nonstop

By Kaylee LaRocque, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville civilian and military personnel have been working nonstop at the airfield palletizing thousands of pounds of materials for shipment to Haiti as part of Operation Unified Response.

As of Jan. 26, NAS Jacksonville personnel have filled 22 C-130s Hercules, 11 C-40s Clippers, seven Boeing 747s and one C-17 Globemaster III with 2.3 million pounds of water, food, medical supplies, tents and radios for the relief effort in Haiti following an earthquake Jan. 12.

"Since we began supporting Operation Unified Response, we've unloaded approximately 60 semi trucks filled with water, humanitarian daily rations, tents and medical supplies and have spent days preparing them for transport and loading them onto cargo planes headed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and then on to Haiti," said Doug Chaney, NAS Jacksonville airfield facilities manager. "We are also supporting personnel transports to Cuba, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Haiti. VRC 30 (Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30) has been in and out of here continuously to support the Vinson. And now, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) is off the coast conducting workups so we are supporting the aircraft for their training. That plus all the C-130s coming in from National Guard units all over the country, the C-17s and 747s, we are extremely busy."

"We are working extremely close with the airfield manager at Guantanamo Bay so we don't inundate them with aircraft. We have become their holding ramp until we're cleared to send the cargo planes south. We are also trying to stay ahead of the game by having pallets ready to go when the aircraft arrive here so they leave with full loads. This has been a huge challenge with cargo issues and coordinating all the flights," continued Chaney.

"But, the NAS Jacksonville team has stepped up to help with this mission. They've pulled together and are helping in any way they can. We have no idea how long this will last, but we'll do what we need to in support of the relief efforts," added Chaney. "We've been working hand-in-hand with Defense Distribution Depot Jacksonville personnel who have been awesome. They've provided me with forklifts, drivers, pallets, strapping and anything I need to get the job done – all I have to do is make a call."

Chaney was also quick to mention the military members helping with the mission.

"Sailors from various departments and tenant commands have been extremely busy building pallets and helping in any way they can. It's taking a toll, but this is when we are at our best," he said.

NAS Jacksonville Sailors and civilians work diligently to get the job done in order to get supplies to those in need. Sam Brown, NAS Jacksonville Air Operations Department airfield facilities division cargo handler, has been working long hours unloading trucks and loading numerous aircraft in support of the relief efforts.

"We have a good supervisor here and don't have too much stress. We know what needs to be done and we do it no matter how long it takes or how many trucks come in to be unloaded. However, I wish I was in Haiti," said Brown.

Chief Logistics Specialist (AW/SW) Reuben Amarh from U.S. 4th Fleet has been working at NAS Jacksonville since Jan. 15, helping coordinate the loading of the cargo planes.

"We just keep loading these aircraft with materials until the mission is accomplished. The people here have really been great palletizing the items, moving the pallets and loading the aircraft. Everything has been running pretty smoothly," said Amarh.

A team of air traffic controllers from NAS Jacksonville's Air Department work to keep the aircraft continually coming and going in a safe, efficient manner.

"NAS Jacksonville Air Traffic Control Division has had to step up manning levels to handle the increase of air traffic operations in support of Haiti relief efforts. The airfield is supporting these efforts 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Lt. Michael Fahnestock from NAS Jacksonville's Air Department.

"What is challenging is that the controllers are working with an increase of larger aircraft such as Boeing 747s, C-130s and C-40s, which require more landing/departing separation between aircraft due to wake turbulence criteria. These additional operations are taking place along with our normal operations; however, with the experience staff on duty, there have been minimal delays," said Fahnestock.

So until the mission is complete, NAS Jacksonville personnel will continue to work together to support the Navy's participation in Operation Unified Response.

Navy Ships Provide Critical Resources in Haiti

By Iam Graham, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy continues to play a major role in the Defense Department's efforts to help the people of Haiti, a senior naval officer said Jan. 27.

The Navy is providing hospital ships and off-shore sea bases of operation for Marine Corps units working on the ground, and is carrying millions of pounds of food, medical equipment and other supplies to help the Haitian people recover from the Jan. 12 earthquake that devastated the island nation, Navy Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch, commander of Carrier Strike Group 1 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), told participants in a "DoDLive" blogger's roundtable.

The Navy is a small part of a broad international effort in Haiti, working in conjunction with dozens of non-governmental organizations, international groups and the Haitian government itself, Branch said. Because some of those organizations have worked in Haiti for years on other humanitarian missions, he added, they are familiar with local customs.

"What we're striving to do, and being able to do in many cases, is partner with [other organizations] and let them tell us the best places for relief distribution, the best contacts we need to make in the local community and local government and use their experience to our best advantage," Branch said. "We get them into the process and we keep them in the process [of providing aid and supplies]."

Fostering relationships among the sailors, Marines, civilian aid workers and Haitian population is central to the relief effort, Branch said. Creating an environment the Haitians can uphold when no more aid is needed is one of the primary goals for the Navy and for the operation as a whole, the admiral said.

"Obviously, we're working here as an international team – we're working through the [United Nations] and through the government of Haiti," Branch said. "The objective is to make sure the Haitian people are able to sustain, and the organizations that are helping them in that effort are fully in the mix, and in the lead, as we go forward."

So far, Branch's strike group has performed 1,979 flights, nearly 1,600 of which were mission-related operations, delivering personnel and supplies. Medical evacuations made up 375 of the sorties.

These flights made up "the bulk of the vertical lift used" in the Navy's effort, he said.

Branch said the Navy as a whole has brought more than a million pounds of cargo to Haiti, including 87,000 gallons of water, nearly 162 tons of food, 345,400 pounds of medical supplies, 75 tons of support equipment and 3,300 people to help in relief efforts.

Branch's group - which consists of 12 ships deployed to Haiti, including the Carl Vinson Strike Group ships, the USS Nassau (LHA 4) and USS Bataan (LHD 5) Amphibious Ready Groups and the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) - is expecting a lengthy deployment. While no estimates have been given regarding the duration of operations in Haiti, it's been made clear by many officials that Operation Unified Response Haiti won't be a quick turnaround.

As long as they're needed, Branch said, his ships will stay there to help.

"We'll continue performing the missions and supporting the functions we've done since we arrived," he said. "In the 12 days we've been here, we've seen a lot of improvement, and we're still making a difference. Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow will be better than today."

VAW 125 Provides Support for Operation Unified Response

Sailors assigned to the Tigertails of Carrier Early Warning (VAW) 125 prepare an E-2C Hawkeye for take off at the airfied at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. VAW-125 is supporting Operation Unified Response by transporting humanitarian assistance and personnel to Haiti after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Baltz/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Harris

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- The "Tiger Tails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125 are conducting airspace management during Operation Unified Response operating out of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Jan. 22.

VAW 125 is working to ensure airspace and mission safety over Port-au-Prince.

U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay holds a strategic location near Haiti and allows the VAW to conduct critical airspace management during the humanitarian assistance efforts in Haiti. Food, personnel and medical supplies arrive daily and the airspace over Haiti is crowded with aircraft from various agencies.

The crew of VAW-125 provides an information conduit for aircraft operating over Haiti, making the orchestration of humanitarian assistance more manageable.
"We maximize the efficiency of the efforts," said Cmdr. Wesley Bannister, commanding officer, VAW-125.

The squadron operates the E-2C Hawkeye, an aircraft designed for all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management and airborne early warning. The Hawkeye acts as a communication link to provide the big picture of what's happening in the air and on the ground.
"The aircraft was designed to go up and provide the eyes and ears in the sky," said Lt. Cmdr. Kenyon Kellogg, VAW-125 personnel officer.

According to Bannister, the E-2C and its crew help maintain control of U.S. Navy helicopters moving relief supplies, including medicine and personnel. They also coordinate with personnel on the ground and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to direct air asset tasking.

Within 96 hours of being activated, the crew of VAW-125 had gone from their homeport in Norfolk, Va., to fully operational over Haiti, providing command and control of airborne assets as well as those on the ground. Bannister believes the entire effort has been a positive and successful undertaking.

"We have a long history with Haiti," he said. "We should do everything we can to help."

Coronet Oak aircrews respond to Haiti earthquake

by Master Sgt. Stan Coleman, 35th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron

MUNIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Puerto Rico (AFNS) -- "After Afghanistan, we thought our Coronet Oak assignment would be a two-week vacation," said 1st Lt. Casey Fallon, a 35th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron co-pilot, assigned from the Ohio Air National Guard's 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield, Ohio.

Lieutenant Fallon didn't expect the earthquake that occurred on the Caribbean island shared by the Republic of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, on Jan. 12. Nor did anyone else. The lieutenant's aircrew recently had returned from Southwest Asia.

Within six months after completion of his flight training, the new pilot had just finished his first combat airlift tour and was now experiencing an event that required humanitarian support. The earthquake occurred less than five days after Airmen from the 179th AW reported for duty in support of Operation Coronet Oak, the U. S. Southern Command's continuing airlift mission directed and controlled by the 35th EAS at Muniz Air National Guard Base near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Coronet Oak provides the United States Southern Command with logistic and contingency support throughout Central and South America with Air Force Reserve Command, Air National Guard and active duty C-130 airlift capability. Aircrews, maintenance and support personnel rotate in and out of Muniz every two weeks.

Two hours and 33 minutes after the earthquake in Haiti, Col. Julio R. Lopez, the 35th EAS Commander, received a call placing aircrews supporting the Coronet Oak mission on alert. At 4 a.m. of the next day, Colonel Lopez received a call to launch aircraft supporting the disaster-relief mission. "Fourteen hours and 11 minutes after we were notified to provide airlift support the first 35th EAS C-130s landed in Haiti," said Colonel Lopez. "We provided the first aircraft on the ground within 23 hours of the earthquake. That was a huge accomplishment."

The disaster-relief operation for the Republic of Haiti was named Operation Unified Response.

The heart of the Coronet Oak aircrews going into Haiti was the desire to serve. However, they were not sure of what to expect. "We didn't know the condition of the airport at Port au Prince," said Major Eric Hensley, 35th EAS C-130 navigator, assigned from the 179th AW. "We didn't know if the runway had lighting or if there were control personnel in the tower. But we knew we could land on the runway. Our night vision training provided us with confidence that we could land in a blacked-out situation."

Fortunately there was lighting. But there were other concerns. Arriving aircraft were holding up to three hours. "We knew that quite a few aircraft would be waiting to land to provide assistance on the one runway at Port au Prince Airport," said the major. "That was another challenge we were facing."

"When we arrived at the Port Au Prince airport, we found that there was only one guy controlling everything," said Lt. Col. Ken Pecoraro, 35th EAS pilot, assigned from the 179th AW. "This guy provided the air traffic control and the ground control on where the incoming aircraft would park. The single Port Au Prince controller was able to envision where each aircraft should be parked on the runway ramp.

"While landing we noticed some devastation with cracked windows in the tower and crumbled buildings in the distance," said the colonel. According to Colonel Pecoraro, "Years of experience provide you with a sense of situational awareness--you stay calm and alert to what's going on."

The two 179th AW aircraft, supporting the 35th EAS Coronet Oak mission, were the first aircraft airlifting emergency supplies to Haiti. Colonel Pecoraro's aircrew flew a total of six missions in support of Operation Unified Response--delivering supplies and transporting Haitian evacuees and U.S. citizens from the Dominican Republic side of the island.

'The long days were challenging," said Staff Sgt. Nate Morehead, 35th EAS loadmaster, assigned from the 179th AW. "Nearly half of our missions involved transporting people."

The Puerto Rico Air National Guard's 156th Airlift Wing, co-stationed at Muniz with the Coronet Oak mission, briefly interrupted their operational readiness inspection to support the 35th EAS operations with airlift support--transporting a Puerto Rican search and rescue team to Port au Prince International Airport and airlifting evacuees back to Puerto Rico from Haiti.

Airmen from the Minnesota Air National Guard's 133rd Airlift Wing at St. Paul reported to Muniz for their Coronet Oak rotation on Jan. 16, four days after the earthquake. "To date, our Guardsmen, assigned to the 35th EAS have completed four missions and are currently performing missions flying to and from Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.," said Lt. Col. Jim Bixby, the mission commander for the Minnesota Guardsmen. "From Homestead we deliver medical supplies and other needed items to the military presence in Haiti and the Dominican Republic," he said. "We've transported more than 78 tons of cargo and 168 passengers and evacuees."

"Coronet Oak is a team effort of reservists, Guardsmen and active-duty Airmen," said Major Todd Franks, 35th EAS Director of Operations. "Our Guardsmen and reservists who support the Coronet Oak mission are performing 12 to 18 hour missions flying from Puerto Rico; picking up water, medical supplies and other cargo at Homestead; and delivering those items to Haiti and/or the Dominican Republic. Our 35th EAS Airmen have either returned to Muniz Air Base with Haitian evacuees and/or U. S. citizens or flew back to Homestead to complete another airlift.

Nassau ARG, 24th MEU Bound for Haiti

NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Ready Group (NAS ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) received orders Jan. 19 to deploy to Haiti to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions.

The NAS ARG departed Norfolk Jan. 18 for a regularly scheduled deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility, but the NAS ARG has been ordered to proceed to Haiti after completing its onload of Marines from the 24th MEU in Morehead City, N.C. The decision to divert the NAS ARG/24th MEU from its planned deployment was made by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen based on continuing urgent needs in the Haiti relief effort.

The NAS ARG is composed of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship Nassau, the amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek in Fort Story, Va.

The NAS ARG is commanded by Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8, which includes the Nassau, Ashland, Mesa Verde and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28.

The 24th MEU includes Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and its command element.

The NAS ARG/24th MEU provides combatant commanders with a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options in maritime, littoral and inland environments in support of U.S. policy. The ARG/24th MEU will provide an array of helicopter and amphibious landing craft assets, significantly increasing the ability to quickly provide relief supplies where they are most needed. In addition, the Marines assigned to the 24th MEU will be able to provide an additional force capable of providing a secure environment for the ongoing relief efforts ashore in Haiti.

An amphibious ready group traditionally deploys with robust medical capabilities, and the NAS ARG/24 MEU is no exception. The medical personnel and facilities aboard the three ARG ships will join the medical efforts already in place in the region to provide vital medical treatment to those in need in Haiti.

The addition of the NAS ARG/24 MEU brings the total number of U.S. Navy and Military Sealift Command ships participating in the relief effort to 20, along with their associated Marine Corps units. These forces include:

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
USS Bataan (LHD 5)
USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44)
USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)
USS Carter Hall (LSD 50)
USS Normandy (CG 60)
USS Underwood (FFG 36)
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU 22)
USS Nassau (LHD 4)
USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19)
USS Ashland (LSD 48)
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU 24)
USS Higgins (DDG 76)
USS Bunker Hill (CG 52)
USNS Comfort (T-AH 20)
USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51)
USNS Henson (T-AGS-63)
USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2)
USNS Sumner (T-AGS-61)
USNS 1st LT Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011)
USNS PFC Dewayne T. Williams (T-AK 3009)
USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198)

Navy units supporting this effort are under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO). As the Navy component command of U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Routine operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

U.S. Military Delivers Self-powered Radios to Earthquake Survivors

AM Broadcast DXers should look for EC-130 transmissions on 1030 kHz AM. See our related story on the Commando Solo aircraft at
http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2010/01/193rd-special-operations-wing-to.html

HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. - A U.S. Air Force C-130 is delivering 50,000 hand-held radios for distribution to Haitian earthquake survivors by the recent devastating earthquake.

The radios will be distributed by JTF-Haiti and are expected to arrive later this week.

The small emergency radios are both solar-powered and hand-cranked and do not require batteries.

Radios are being distributed in order for affected citizens to receive news and important information concerning international relief efforts.

In close coordination with the government of Haiti, JTF-Haiti is currently broadcasting news, public health, safety and information regarding relief efforts via a military aircraft equipped with FM and AM broadcasting capability.

Public safety messages are broadcasting in the following frequencies: 92.4 FM, 104.1 FM, 1030 AM.

The role of U.S. military forces during this humanitarian assistance and disaster relief effort is to rapidly respond with critically needed supplies and medical services in those areas the Haitian government deems necessary.

U.S. Department of Defense forces are part of a larger, unified United States federal response to the Government of Haiti's request for humanitarian aid. U.S. Southern Command is working with the Department of State, USAID, the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and others to aggressively provide life-sustaining services to the people of Haiti.

ACB 2 Clears a Path in Haiti

U.S. service members from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) pass Haitian citizens while looking for the best access point onto Port-au-Prince. Carter Hall is on station in Haiti supporting Operation Unified Response, a joint operation providing military support capabilities to civil authorities to help stabilize and improve the situation in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the island nation on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Monique K. Hilley/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Hendrick L. Dickson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- When USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) deployed Jan. 14 to support Operation Unified Response, a joint military relief effort for victims of the earthquake in Haiti, the ship deployed with the Navy's disaster relief experts as one of its many assets.

Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 2's Disaster Recovery Team (DRT) specializes in these types of relief operations and is ready to "clear the way" and bring humanitarian support to the area.

"We're the front-runners," said Senior Chief Engineman (SCW/SW) Steven M. Krutke, ACB 2 DRT officer-in-charge. "We're going to get a good punch into the city. We're going to open it up so we can get more troops in there, give more help and more humanitarian assistance. That's what we do. We get the Marines ashore so they can get the 'beans, bullets and band-aids' where they need to go."

The DRT brings a lot of essential capabilities to the situation in Haiti where the country is still in peril after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Much of the island nation is ravaged with debris; the lack of power, food and water remains an issue.

"The capabilities we have are extremely immense, and it looks like we'll be able to deploy our complete mission in Haiti," said Krutke. "I've got two bulldozers, dump trucks, front-end loaders, humvees, water-making capabilities, chain saws, welders - just about anything we need to do to get the job done. And if we don't have the tools, I guarantee these Sailors will improvise and come up with something. They will do what it takes to accomplish the mission."

Perhaps the key to the team's versatility is its structure.

"We have two different communities," explained Krutke. "You have your Seabees community. Then you have your fleet community, which is your enginemen, your boatswain's mates, supply personnel and others. It's just a great group which comes together to work as a team whenever they are called."

The mission in Haiti may be one of DRT's most visible missions yet. The DRT understands that they are not just Sailors, Seabees, boatswain's mates and enginemen; they provide humanitarian assistance and represent the United States around the world.

"We're here for the residents of Haiti," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW) Robert Courson, leading petty officer for DRT Team 2. "The disaster that they are going through has things in disarray for them. It's important for us to be there to provide support and to show them that the United States cares about them. When they see us, it will give them a peace of mind that things are going to get better."

"By coming here, it gives people a better understanding of the United States," added Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Emilio Rothschuh, DRT medical technician. "And it helps us build our relationships with other countries because they get to see what we are really about."

The DRT team intends on demonstrating what America is really about by completing a mission the way they always have - with compassion and hard work.

"In my 24 years of Navy experience, I've never seen a group of Sailors that are more willing to go out and help people that need help than the men and women I'm working with right now," said Krutke.

"Each and every one of the Sailors I work with is committed," he said, "And if it's 30 days, 40 days, 90 days, or if it's a six-month deployment, these Sailors will complete the mission."

USS Carter Hall is part of the Amphibious Relief Mission, which includes USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43).

USNS Grasp, Divers Arrive in Port-au-Prince, Begin Port Assessments

The Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp (ARS 51) arrives at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to put on stores and refuel while en route to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Haiti. Grasp was diverted from its mission to assist with relief efforts following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti on Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNS) -- USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51) arrived in Haiti Jan. 18 and began coordinated joint diving operations in the port of Port-au-Prince in support of Operation Unified Response.

Grasp, a Military Sealift Command (MSC) rescue and salvage vessel, began dive operations with embarked U.S. Army's 544th Engineer Dive Team to assess the damage to the port facilities in order to reopen them for operations, allowing relief supplies and personnel additional access to provide aid.

"The 544th is ready to execute underwater surveying operations to identify obstacles that are blocking the channels in Haiti as well as confirm possible areas for unloading of cargo." said Capt. Scott Sann, Commander, 544th Engineer Dive Team. "This would be followed by salvage operations to clear debris from the identified pathways."

Grasp and the 544th will work in conjunction with Explosive Ordnance Disposal group 2, the Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit 2, and Underwater Construction Team 2 under command of Rear Adm. Samuel Perez, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 42. CTF 42 is overall in charge of all port assessment activities and coordination during Operation Unified Response.

Grasp and the 544th had been conducting Navy Diver Southern Partnership Station 2010 (ND SPS 10) off the coast of Belize prior to the earthquake in Haiti. Once diverted, the ship made a brief stop in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to refuel and collect food and supplies for humanitarian aid and disaster relief prior to their arrival in Port-au-Prince.

Operation United Response

US military forces remain in support of the OFDA effort in Haiti and are working closely with the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the international community. There are 6 international field hospitals treating patients.

Air, maritime and ground elements of Joint Task Force Haiti continue to deliver a substantial number of food, water, medical and relief supplies via air and sea transport, to evacuate Americans from Haiti, and to provide security.

In order to increase relief delivery and reach inaccessible areas, the first C-17 air drop occurred today.

The hospital ship USNS Comfort has accelerated her arrival to be on scene on 20 Jan.

To meet the intense logistics demands JTF-Haiti is opening a secondary air hub in the Dominican Republic with the assistance of the Government of the Dominican Republic and an overland route to Port-au-Prince has been established.

The United States Coast Guard reports that eight ports are fully operational (Labadie, Cap Haitien, Port de Paix, Gonaives, Saint-Marc, Miragoane, Les Cayes and Jacel).

MINUSTAH and Haitian National Police (HNP) established a curfew effective 1800 EST, 17 Jan. This will ensure a stable security situation as humanitarian relief supplies are distributed.

Due to the destruction of numerous Haitian government facilities, President Preval will be meeting with the Parliament at the Haitian Police Academy. Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne will provide security for the meeting.

There is a significant number of aircraft operating at Port Au Prince Airport for international relief efforts and planned evacuations. Air crew should check in frequently with the FAA for updated information.

Below are links to the Center for International Disaster Information's (CIDI) Guidelines and FAQ; and "Interaction" which will be helpful in answering questions.

http://www.cidi.org/guidelines/guide_ln.htm
http://www.cidi.org/media/faq.htm
www.interaction.org

USS Normandy Arrives off Coast of Port-Au-Prince

USS NORMANDY, At Sea (NNS) -- The cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) arrived off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 17 to support Operation Unified Response, the joint U.S. military relief effort for earthquake victims.

Normandy, homeported in Norfolk, Va., will support relief efforts by providing air surveillance for the heavy air traffic in the area. The ship will also act as a ready deck, or an at sea platform able to accept helicopters on deck and provide refueling services.

Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 46, from Mayport, Fla., has two SH-60B helicopters on board Normandy and will also contribute to the relief efforts with additional airlift support.

As the Navy component command of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Naval Forces Southern Command's mission is to direct U.S. Naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nations navies within the maritime environment. Routine operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

SOUTHCOM is well-versed in providing humanitarian assistance to the region. Since 2005, the command has led U.S. military support to 14 major relief missions, including assistance to Haiti in September 2008. During that mission, U.S. military forces airlifted 3.3 million pounds of aid to communities that were devastated by a succession of major storms.

UPDATE: U.S. Navy Delivers Assistance, Capabilities to Unified Response

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As the maritime component of Unified Response, the U.S. Navy is part of a larger U.S. Government effort led by the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in response to the request for assistance from the Government of Haiti after the devastating earthquake of Jan. 12.

With agility and flexibility, the U.S. Navy is key enabler of the role of the U.S. military to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities to deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the areas that the Government of Haiti deems most necessary.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Underwood (FFG 36), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51), are on station in the vicinity of Haiti in support of host nation, U.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) efforts to conduct Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief operations in order to prevent human suffering and additional loss of life.

USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) are en route Haiti with embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU 22) and are expected to arrive Jan. 18. In addition, USS Gunston Hall (LSD 41) has been diverted to Haiti and also is scheduled to arrive Jan. 18. These amphibious platforms will form a "sea base" from which humanitarian supplies can be moved ashore via helicopters and landing craft. Bataan also has robust medical facility that includes nearly 50 medical professionals as well as X-ray facilities, a 600-bed hospital, operating rooms, an intensive care unit, pharmacy and laboratory.

Approximately 1,480 U.S. military personnel are supporting Operation Unified Response on the ground in Haiti. Approximately 4,400 additional U.S. military personnel are supporting from U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels operating in Haitian waters.

The following numbers provide a glimpse of the impact these service members are making:

- More than 2,000 American citizens have been evacuated to Orlando, Fla., Homestead Air Force Base (AFB), Fla., or McGuire AFB, Pa.

- Maritime forces have distributed 20,160 rations of food since Tuesday.

-USS Carl Vinson delivered more than 30 pallets of relief supplies for distribution to affect areas Saturday. Nineteen helicopters embarked on the carrier are also flying airlift missions in support of relief efforts.

- More than 100,000 bottles of water were delivered Sunday. With water being one of the most precious commodities, the focus continues to be on taking advantage of every opportunity to bring water ashore.

- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) received seven injured Haitian civilians at approximately 7:30 p.m. EST Saturday when a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60J Jayhawk helicopter on a MEDEVAC mission was forced to divert due to weather. The helicopter was taking the earthquake victims from Port-Au-Prince to a hospital near Cap-Haïtien Cape Haitien on the island's northern coast. USS Carl Vinson medical personnel are currently treating the seven Haitians, including a one-two-hourday old infant.

- USS Higgins (DDG 76), homeported in San Diego, is providing afloat logistical services for the Coast Guard helicopters.

- USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), a dry cargo ship and USNS 1st LT Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011), a dry cargo ship capable of offloading cargo without a port are scheduled to arrive in the next week.

- USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), homeported in Baltimore, Md., got underway Jan. 16 and is making best course and speed to the area and is expected to arrive in the area in the next three days. USNS Comfort's primary mission is to provide an afloat, mobile, acute surgical medical facility to the U.S. military that is flexible, capable and uniquely adaptable to support expeditionary warfare. Comfort's secondary mission is to provide full hospital services to support U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian operations worldwide. The ship comes with approximately 600 medical personnel and an expanded 1,000-bed hospital facility.

- On Jan. 14, Comfort the ship was in a scheduled maintenance availability. In the course of 72 hours, the Military Sealift command transformed an industrial shipboard site into an up and ready mobile naval hospital, fully staffed and equipped with the most up-to-date medical technology, ready to provide medical care to our neighbors in desperate need in Haiti.

- USNS Comfort, a 894-foot long ship, has a full spectrum of hospital services to support disaster relief efforts. Comfort has one of the largest trauma facilities in the United States and has four X-rays, one CAT scan unit, an MRI unit, a dental suite, a pharmacy and an optometry and lens laboratory. The ship also maintains up to 5,000 units of blood and can serve as many as 1,000 patients.

- Navy P-3 Orion aircraft are conducting aerial surveys of the area affected by the earthquake.

- Sailors from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's Combat Camera, Maritime Civil Affairs, Maritime Security, Expeditionary Logistic Support and Seabee units, as well as other Navy divers and engineers are supporting disaster response efforts and bring a diverse capability including assessment, construction, security, civil affairs and logistical support.

- Various units are prepared to provide assistance with sea-based helicopters, to include H-53 Sea Stallions and H-60 Seahawks.

Another big part of the maritime relief effort is to start the rebuilding of port facilities near the Haitian capital. USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51), a rescue and salvage ship with embarked FBI dive team arrived Jan. 17 to conduct surveys and assessments necessary to repair the port. This effort will be reinforced by USNS Henson (T-AGS-63), an oceanographic survey ship, and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), which are scheduled to arrive Jan. 20. Additionally, USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), a dry cargo ship, and USNS Sumner (T-AGS-61), an oceanographic survey ship, are scheduled to arrive Jan 22. USNS 1st LT Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011), a dry cargo ship, is scheduled to arrive Jan. 21.

USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198), a replenishment oiler, is supporting the effort by refueling the ships.

Navy units supporting this effort are under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO). As the Navy component command of U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Routine operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

The last time the Navy supported U.S. disaster relief efforts in Haiti was in September 2008. For 19 days the amphibious ship USS Kearsarge using embarked helicopters and amphibious landing craft to delivered 3.3 million pounds of internationally-donated aid to communities isolated by flooding, and mudslides and damaged roads.