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| Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:27 am Post subject: USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) |
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Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) – PHIBRON 8 – ow-commandpost
http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1988.html
Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eight
Amphibious Task Force
COMPHIBRON EIGHT
(COMPHIBRON) 8
COMPHIBRON 8
PHIBRON EIGHT
Amphibious Squadron EIGHT (CPR 8)
Amphibious Squadron 8 (CPR 8)
http://www.cpr8.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron8.htm
http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,98958,00.html
Commander Amphibious Squadron EIGHT is subordinate to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 (COMEXSTRKGRU TWO).
Focus on Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8 http://www.navy.mil/local/phibron8
Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8 Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=417
Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) [KERESG]
USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)
"Proud, Trustworthy, Bold"
http://www.kearsarge.navy.mil/default.aspx
Focus on USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd3
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Story Archive http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=181
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) History
http://www.navysite.de/ships/lhd3.htm
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Photos
http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/08/0803.htm
Amphibious Ready Group [KERARG]
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-3.htm
Naval Station Norfolk, VA.
USS KEARSARGE (1862-1894
Selected Views
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-k/kearsarg.htm
USS KEARSARGE (BB-5) (1900-1920)
USS Kearsarge (Battleship # 5)
Later Crane Ship # 1 (AB-1).
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-k/bb5.htm
USS KEARSARGE (CV 33) (1946-1974)
USS Kearsarge (CV-33, later CVA-33 and CVS-33), 1946-1974
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-k/cv33.htm
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Deployment History
History of USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
http://www.kearsarge.navy.mil/site%20pages/History.aspx
USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is the fourth ship in the history of the U.S. Navy named for Kearsarge Mountain in New Hampshire. Previous ships named Kearsarge include a Civil War-era sloop of war famous for defeating CSS ALABAMA; a turn-of-the-century battleship that sailed as part of President Theodore Roosevelt's "Great White Fleet;" and an aircraft carrier, known internationally for its part in the Project Mercury space program. Kearsarge is only one of two United States ship names mandated by Congress to be used more than once.
Kearsarge is the third ship of the Wasp class multipurpose amphibious assault ships. Her primary mission is the embarkation, deployment, landing and support of a Marine landing force.
Kearsarge and her sister ships are the first ships specifically designed to accommodate Air Cushion Landing Craft (LCAC) for fast troop movement over the beach and Harrier II (AV-8B) V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing) jets, which provide close-in air support for the assault force.
Launched on March 26, 1992, she was christened Kearsarge on Saturday, May 16, 1992, at Ingalls Shipbuilding by Mrs. Alma Powell, wife of General Colin L. Powell, USA former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. Kearsarge joined the fleet October 16, 1993 during commissioning ceremonies in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and is home ported in Norfolk, Virginia.
Kearsarge principal mission is the embarkation, deployment, landing and support of a Marine landing force anywhere in the world. Serving as an Expeditionary Strike Group flagship, Kearsarge commands and supports elements of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, in an assault by air and sea as well as command and support of all ships and submarines of the Expeditionary Strike Group.
Kearsarge can also provide command and control and aircraft facilities for sea control missions while operating with a Carrier Strike Group. The ship's extensive medical facilities and berthing capabilities enable it to provide effective care to returning troops under battle conditions, or disaster relief in support of humanitarian missions during peacetime.
KEARSARGE can support up to 600 patients while still providing routine care to crewmembers and embarked troops. The LHD Class is second only to the Navy's ready-reserve hospital ships USNS COMFORT and USNS MERCY in medical support capability. Major medical facilities include four main and two emergency operating rooms, four dental operating rooms, x-ray facilities, a blood bank, laboratories and intensive care ward facilities. Elevators rapidly transfer patients from casualty collection areas on the flight deck and in the hangar bay.
For the comfort of her crew and embarked troops, all manned spaces and berthing areas are individually heated and air-conditioned. Crew and troop berthing are on the same deck with messing, lounge, ship's store and library facilities nearby. In addition to the library, on board recreation is supported by a fully equipped gym, lounges and closed circuit TV for the broadcast of movies, news and television programming. Each Sailor and Marine is also afforded personal email addresses and most have access to the internet.
In carrying out its primary mission, the 844 foot long, 40,500 ton Kearsarge will transport and land ashore not only troops, but also the tanks, trucks, other vehicles, artillery, ammunition and other supplies necessary to fully support the assault. The assault support system aboard ship coordinates horizontal and vertical movement of troops, cargo and vehicles.
Monorail trains, moving at speeds up to 600 feet-per-minute, transport cargo and supplies from storage and staging areas throughout the ship to a 13,600-square foot well deck, which opens to the sea through the huge gates in the ship's stern. There, the cargo, as well as troops and vehicles, are loaded aboard landing craft for transport to the beach. Air Cushioned Landing Craft (LCAC) can "fly" out of the dry well deck, or the well deck can be ballasted down with as much as 10 feet of water inside the well, allowing conventional landing craft such as the LCU, LARC or Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) to enter or depart the well.
Simultaneously, the ship's air traffic control capability supports helicopter flights to the beach to transfer troops, cargo and vehicles brought to the flight deck by two deck-edge e;evators and three cargo elevators, while directing close air tactical support provided by embarked jet aircraft and a full range of helicopters, as well as the Harrier Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing (V/STOL) jets can conduct simultaneous operations from the ship's 819 foot flight deck.
The ship has also received upgrades to support the V-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft used for troop and supply movement. Kearsarge also has a full maintenance and support capability for aircraft, amphibious vehicles and ships in company.
The ship's assault package also includes a wide variety of weapon and electronic systems. The integration of intelligence systems, tactical data links and various onboard computer Local Area Networks ensures the most up-to-date and comprehensive tactical picture yet available to embarked units in support of the missions of the embarked Marine components.
Kearsarge 's armament suite includes the NATO Sea Sparrow point defense missile systems, the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) defense system, the PHALANX close-in weapon system, 25mm chain guns and Electronic Warfare (EW) protection systems for defense against anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft and surface vessels. The embarked aircraft also pose a strong deterrent to threats against Kearsarge and embarked Marine elements.
Two steam propulsion plants - the largest currently in use in the U.S. Navy, delivering a combined 70,000 horsepower, propel the ship through the water at speeds in excess of 24 knots. Electrical generators aboard provide more than 16,000 kilowats of power to shipboard systems - enough power to light 13,500 homes.
Two pumping stations give Kearsarge a 450,000 gallon fueling capacity for embarked aircraft, other vehicles and ships in company. Onboard distilling plants provide up to 200,000 gallons of fresh water each day. Her 1,500 tons of air conditioning equipment is sufficient to environmentally control a 32-story office building. KEARSARGE also carries state-of-the-art environmental protection equipment including a plastic refuse processing system.
LHDs are the first U.S. Navy ships designed specifically to accommodate Air Cushioned Landing Craft (LCACs), Harriers and V-22 Ospreys. The over-the-horizon ability of the LCAC to provide high-speed ship-to-shore and over-the-beach amphibious support in transporting personnel, weapons systems and equipment offers the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team a new dimension in projecting combat strength ashore.
LCACs enable Kearsarge to support combat forces ashore at increased stand-off distances to hard landing points beyond the beach. The LCACs high speed, greater than 40 knots, provides reduced exposure time and multi-beach attack capability.
The AV/8B Harrier's ability to take off and land vertically on virtually any firm surface makes the aircraft a perfect addition to the Kearsarge assault package. The primary role of the ship's embarded jets is to provide close air support for ground units. The can also be used for sea control and prtection of the Expeditionary Strike Group.
Like the AV/8B Harrier, the V-22 Osprey's tilt-rotor design gives it the ability to take off and land vertically on virtually any relatively flat surface. It performs vertical take-off and landing missions as effectively as a conventional helicopter while also having the long-range cruise abilities of a twin turboprop aircraft.
http://www.kearsarge.navy.mil/site%20pages/MISSION.aspx
Kearsarge departed for her maiden deployment on March 22, 1995. Kearsarge served as the primary platform for the rescue of Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady after he was shot down over Bosnia.
After the deployment, Kearsarge served as the primary Navy unit participating in the 1995 New York City Veteran's Day activities, which marked our nation's final tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II.
Kearsarge relieved USS Nassau (LHA 4) on station off the coast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in support of Operation Guardian Retrieval on May 2, 1997. Kearsarge was later directed to Freetown, Sierra Leone to conduct Noncombatant Evacuation Operations in support of Operation Noble Obelisk. On May 31, she began evacuating American citizens and foreign nationals from Sierra Leone. During the four-day operation, Kearsarge evacuated more than 2,500 Americans and foreign nationals from more than 40 countries.
1997 – Conducted ARG 2-97 which included real-world operations Silver Wake, Guardian Retrieval, and Noble Obelisk in which 2509 American citizens and foreign nationals were evacuated from Sierra Leone. Also participated in exercises Linked Seas 97, Betacom 97, Alexander the Great 97, Cooperative Partner, COMSIXTHFLT Invitex, Atlas Hinge 97, Rescue Eagle, Sea Breeze, and Dynamic Mix 97. COMPHIBRON FOUR returned from deployment 15 October 1997.
More than 10,000 Sailors and Marines sailed from their home ports and bases April 15, 1997for a six-month overseas deployment as the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Battle Group (CVBG) and the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The amphibious assault ship Kearsarge, with nearly 3,000 Sailors and Marines aboard, left port two weeks early, on April 15, to relieve USS Nassau (LHA 4) on station off the west African coast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in support of Operation Guardian Retrieval on May 2, 1997.
The other two ships in the Kearsarge ARG, USS Ponce (LPD 15) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), departed Norfolk on schedule with the JFK CVBG April 29 to relieve the two other ships of the Nassau ARG in the Mediterranean Sea. The largest allied military exercise of the year began 10 July 1997. Sponsored by Commander, Sixth Fleet, INVITEX 97, an invitational exercise, brought 13,000 U.S. naval and Marine Corps forces together with 3,000 Italian, French, Greek, German, Dutch and British naval forces to practice combined operations during a mock conflict. The aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT embarked; units from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Marine Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU); plus 12 other U.S. ships exercised a wide range of mission capabilities with their allied counterparts during the nine-day warfare training operation. ATLAS HINGE, a six-day exercise between US and Tunisian forces, began 22 July 1997. Four thousand U.S. Sailors, Marines and Soldiers from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Ponce (LPD 15), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Tempest (PC 2), the 22nd MEU, and Company 3/325 Airborne Battalion SETAF participated in the exercise. ARG 2-97 which included real-world operations Silver Wake, Guardian Retrieval, and Noble Obelisk in which 2509 American citizens and foreign nationals were evacuated from Sierra Leone. COMPHIBRON FOUR embarked onboard Kearsarge participated in exercises Linked Seas 97, Betacom 97, Alexander the Great 97, Cooperative Partner, COMSIXTHFLT Invitex, Atlas Hinge 97, Rescue Eagle, Sea Breeze, and Dynamic Mix 97.
COMPHIBRON FOUR returned from deployment 15 October 1997.
On April 17, 1999, Kearsarge embarked on its third deployment. Performing a turnover with the NASSAU ARG while underway, Kearsarge made best speed to the Adriatic Sea where she performed various operations off the coast of Kosovo, including Operation Noble Anvil/Allied Force and establishment of Camp Hope in Fier, Albania. On June 7, Operation Joint Guardian began. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable (SOC), was offloaded June 10 across Litokhoron Beach, Greece, for movement to Skopje, Macedonia. These U.S. Marines were the first peacekeeping force to enter Kosovo. Immediately following, Kearsarge was ordered to Izmit, Turkey to provide support after the nation experienced a devastating earthquake that killed 12,000 people.
http://www.kearsarge.navy.mil/site%20pages/History.aspx
MARG 99-2 - Marine Amphibious Ready Group 99-2 was comprised of PHIBRON TWO [USS KEARSARGE, USS GUNSTON HALL and USS PONCE] with the 26th Marine expeditionary unit, special operation capable (26 MEU SOC). The deployment began in the early morning hours of April 14, 1999, when Kearsarge departed its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. After picking up their Marines and their equipment via landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and helicopters, the three ships set sail at top speed for the Mediterranean Sea. The heavily populated city of Izmit and surrounding areas were the hardest hit Aug. 17, by an early-morning 7.4-magnitude earthquake that left over 15,000 dead and thousands more injured and homeless. Gunston Hall, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Ponce (LPD 15) were called to the sea of Marmara after the earthquake struck in support of operation avid response, the U.S. military's humanitarian response to the quake. Within hours of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall's (LSD 44) pierside arrival in Hereke, Turkey, Sept. 4, working parties comprised of both sailors and Marines were dispatched to U.S. sponsored tent-building sites near Izmit, Turkey, to aid in ongoing earthquake relief efforts. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron2.htm
On April 25, 2001, Kearsarge began its fourth deployment, where the ship hosted the annual USO Gala in Naples, Italy, participated in several large amphibious operations (Trident D'Or, Alexander the Great and Albanian PHIBLIEX), and provided support to the President of the United States during the G8 Summit in Genoa, Italy. On September 11, 2001, Kearsarge was underway in the Mediterranean Sea as the World Trade Centers and Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. During this deployment, KEARSARGE visited 12 ports in seven different countries.
Kearsarge returned home on October 15, 2001.
On January 8, 2002, Kearsarge entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a four-month Planned Maintenance Availability that ended on April 25th that year. In July, KEARSARGE made a port visit to Boston to participate in the annual Harborfest celebration over the 4th of July. On October 10th, Kearsarge participated in a unique exercise in the Gulf of Mexico to prove a new capability of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship - to support mine sweeping capabilities.
On January 12, 2003, with only 72 hours notice, Kearsarge was deployed, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was the ship's fifth deployment. Serving as the Flagship for Rear Admiral Nowakowski, Commander, Amphibious Task Force East, and Brigadier General Richard Natonski, Commanding General Second Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2D MEB) and Landing Force East, Kearsarge carried more than 1,700 Marines from the 2D MEB to the Northern Arabian Gulf. Kearsarge later became the Flagship for Commodore Gregg Jackson, Commander Amphibious Squadron Eight.
On February 14th, Kearsarge began off-loading the 2D MEB at Kuwait Naval Base. They joined up with Marines from the 1 MEB to become Task Force Tarawa. On March 20th hostilities commenced, the name of the engagement was changed to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Task Force Tarawa crossed in Iraq and went to war. Kearsarge remained off the coast of Iraq flying combat re-supply missions employing the CH-53E helicopters attached to the Condors of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron Four Sixty-Four (HMH 464).
On the way home from that history combat deployment, Kearsarge also provided support to the President of the United States during his visits to Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt and Aqaba, Jordan during his summits with Arab leaders. Additionally, Kearsarge was diverted from its homecoming track to the western coast of Africa to support Operation Shinning Express. Kearsarge returned home on June 30, 2003.
In June 2004, following a four-month shipyard avalability, Kearsarge surge deployed to the Arabian Gulf to transport elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Kearsarge returned home in August 2004.
KEARSARGE embarked on its seventh deployment on March 25, 2005 as the flagship for the KEARSARGE Expeditionary Strike Group, consisting of KEARSARGE, the guided missile cruiser USS NORMANDY (CG 60), the amphibious transport ship USS PONCE (LPD 15), the guided missile destroyer USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), the guided missile frigate USS KAUFFMAN (FFG 59), the attack submarine USS SCRANTON (SSN 756) and the dock landing ship USS ASHLAND (LSD 48), and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Kearsarge has been awarded the Golden Anchor for Retention Excellence, Ronald Reagan Distinguished Service Award, the CNO Environmental Safety Award, the Admiral Flatley Memorial Award, Department of Energy / Department of the Navy Energy Efficient Awards, the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award and the Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Safety Award.
Additionally, Kearsarge has qualified for the following medals and unit awards: Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards), Battle Efficiency "E" Award (five awards), National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Kosovo campaign Medal (with bronze star), Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (five awards), the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. http://www.kearsarge.navy.mil/site%20pages/History.aspx
USS Kearsarge Deploys in Support of Continuing Promise 2008
Story Number: NNS080807-04
Release Date: 8/7/2008 3:07:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amy Kirk, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) along with various embarked units and non-governmental organizations (NGO) departed Norfolk Aug. 6 for a four-month deployment, in support of mission Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 Caribbean Phase.
CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, NGOs and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.
Kearsarge's mission is to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of United States compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The ship is scheduled to visit Nicaragua, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
This mission has been coordinated through Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eight with partner nations in the region and planned hand-in-hand with a variety of other governmental and NGOs to creatively address the level and scope of care required that will be needed to support regional medical needs. A key objective of this deployment is to address regional health service support requirements and promote clinical information sharing across the region.
"We'll be working hand-in-hand with our neighbors on many common interests," said Capt. Fernandez Ponds, CP 2008 mission commander.
"By working together and sharing our knowledge, we can address medical and engineering concerns common to the region, while also demonstrating our commitment to developing cooperative solutions and fostering lasting bonds of friendship."
Embarked Fleet Surgical Team Four will team up with host nation health care providers to offer basic primary health care and education.
"The cooperation between the different nations, non-governmental organizations and host nation citizens in this mission will benefit us greatly," said Cmdr. Dave Damstra, CP medical contingent commander. "Should a disaster ever strike this area, we will be able to build upon the care, clinical information and cooperation we're working on now."
Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 and Air Force 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force will join local civil engineers for structure renovations to schools and churches across four locations, along with road and drainage repair.
"By working alongside our partners here, making renovations and repairs and building a better relationship with the nation, we will establish a great bond between our two nations," said Air Force Maj. Thomas DeFazio, CP engineering contingent commander.
CP's mission in Central and South America is part of the Partnership of the Americas initiative. The medical and engineering capabilities this mission brings helps demonstrate the United States' commitment to fostering cooperative partnerships among allies.
"We are very proud to be a part of this mission and focused on not only helping our neighbors, but also learning from them," said Capt. Walter Towns, Kearsarge commanding officer.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38969
Kearsarge Arrives in 4th Fleet
Story Number: NNS080809-06
Release Date: 8/9/2008 6:35:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amy Kirk, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE, At sea (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) entered the U.S. 4th Fleet area of focus Aug. 8 for a humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) deployment in support of the Caribbean Phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.
"We are dedicated to working with partners in Central and South America and the Caribbean through exercises, military exchanges and humanitarian assistance efforts," said Kearsarge Commanding Officer, Capt. Walter Towns.
Kearsarge's mission is to conduct joint civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of United States support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The ship is scheduled to visit Nicaragua, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
CP's mission in Central and South America is part of the Partnership of the Americas initiative. The medical and engineering capability this mission brings helps demonstrate the United States' commitment to fostering cooperative partnerships among allies.
The mission of U.S. 4th Fleet is to direct U.S. naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
While in 4th Fleet, Kearsarge and her embarked units will work together with Latin American partners to provide construction capabilities ashore, basic primary health care for adults and children, dentistry, veterinarian care and minor road and bridge repair.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39001
Kearsarge Hosts Reception for Continuing Promise
Story Number: NNS080809-07
Release Date: 8/9/2008 6:36:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William S. Parker, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) hosted distinguished visitors and media for a reception and tour Aug. 8.
The reception was the official start of the Caribbean Phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008, a joint effort among the United States, partner nations and non-government organizations to provide humanitarian assistance.
"Our multinational team is dedicated to recommit, and fortify our relationships in South America now, and for generations to come," said Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, CP mission commander.
CP will provide support by conducting medical, dental and engineering assistance programs ashore in response to host nation requests and requirements. The deployment's goal is to improve health, prolong life, promote training, and enhance prosperity in the region.
"I am honored to be a part of this mission where we will work side-by-side with host nations to take care of our neighbors," said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Robert Parker, director, Security and Intelligence, U.S. Southern Command. "The Americas are important. They are in our history, our past, and it's our home."
After the reception and a brief press conference, visitors and media toured the ship's major spaces.
"The visit was an overall success," said Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz of Miami-Dade County's 12th District. "I am proud to be on the Kearsarge to see where the great mission at hand is going to take place and to witness the hard work of the fine crew that is manning it. I personally thank the men and women serving on this fine ship for their dedication."
Kearsarge is currently under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet.
U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American region and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39002
Continuing Promise Arrives in Nicaragua
Story Number: NNS080813-06
Release Date: 8/13/2008 3:38:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William S. Parker, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua (NNS) -- Regional leaders welcomed personnel from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) to Puerto Cabezas Aug. 12 marking the official beginning of operations in Nicaragua as part of the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.
CP 2008 Mission Commander, Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, and Kearsarge Commanding Officer, Capt. Walter Towns thanked the community for their warm reception and presented a Continuing Promise plaque on behalf of the embarked joint and interagency team to Reynaldo Francis, the Coordinator Gobierno Regional.
"It is always good to be welcomed and feel welcome, most of all because we want to be here," said Ponds. "When we are finished here, we will have built buildings, bridges and lasting friendships that will grow with generations to come."
After the ceremony, Ponds and Towns toured the mission sites in the region.
Continuing Promise's mission is to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of U.S. compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet.
U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
The CP Caribbean phase is the second of two humanitarian civic assistance deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
Embarked units and organizations aboard Kearsarge for CP include Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8, Fleet Surgical Team 4; Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202;. Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron 5's Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force; contingents of medical personnel from the armed forces of Canada, The Netherlands, Spain, France and Brazil; Navy Assault Craft Unit 2; Naval Beach Group 2; non-governmental organizations Operation Smile and Project Hope; U.S. Navy Maritime Civil Affairs Squadron 2; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464.
USS Kearsarge Distributes Anti-Malarial Medicine
Story Number: NNS080813-10
Release Date: 8/13/2008 3:50:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maddelin Angebrand, Continuing Promise Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Medical staff aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) set up shop in the hangar bay Aug. 9 to distribute anti-malarial medications to crew members and various embarked personnel participating in Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CP is a joint effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations and partner-nation support organizations to build meaningful, lasting partnerships that can be unified in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.
Kearsarge will visit Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana to provide humanitarian assistance.
"Many of the countries we are going to have tropical diseases that we're not accustomed to in the United States," said Cmdr. Sugat Patel of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. "Malaria can cause a bit of a problem in our troops. Certainly, our primary mission is to take care of patients in these countries, but we can't take care of them if we don't take care of ourselves first."
Symptoms of malaria include high fevers, severe chills and nausea, headaches and extreme fatigue. Left untreated, it can advance rapidly to become life-threatening.
Ship's crew and embarked personnel along with medical providers were screened and educated about the signs and symptoms of malaria and what to do to prevent mosquito bites.
"It's very important to protect our members," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Sonia Battle. "If our members get infected, that lessens the opportunity for us to complete our mission. So it's important that we take our medicine so we can better help the countries that we're here to help."
The Kearsarge team will conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance in an effort to send a strong message of United States support and commitment toward Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet.
U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American region and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.
The CP Caribbean phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39090
For more news about Continuing Promise, visit U.S. Southern Command's Web site at www.southcom.mil
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39081
Medical Personnel Begin Work in Nicaragua for Continuing Promise 2008
Story Number: NNS080814-05
Release Date: 8/14/2008 11:43:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Adam Nuzzo, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua (NNS) -- Medical and dental personnel embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) began work at Juan Amos Comenius High School, Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, Aug. 12, as part of the first stop in the Caribbean Phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
The medical and dental personnel at the site saw patients for everything from tape worms, tooth extractions to routine exams and eye glass prescriptions. The site is expected to help care for an average of 200 people a day.
"Working with other nations is one of the most exciting parts of this mission," said Cmdr. Angelica Almonte, a nurse researcher from Navy Medical Center San Diego and assistant officer-in-charge at the medical and dental site. "The thing we all have in common though is that we all want to help."
CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, NGOs and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions. After Nicaragua, Kearsarge will visit Colombia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana.
It's good to know the United States, Canada and other partnered nations are coming together to take an active role in improving the welfare and living standards in countries less fortunate than our own," said Pvt. John Stewart, a medical augmentee from Canadian Force Base, Petawawa, Ontario, embarked aboard Kearsarge.
CP will provide support by conducting medical, dental and engineering assistance programs ashore in response to host nation requests and requirements. The deployment's goal is to improve health, prolong life, promote training, and enhance prosperity in the region.
USS Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet. U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American regions and interact with partner navies to shape the maritime environment.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
Embarked units and organizations aboard Kearsarge for CP include Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8, Fleet Surgical Team 4; Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202; Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron 5's Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force; contingents of medical personnel from the armed forces of Canada, The Netherlands, Spain, France and Brazil; Navy Assault Craft Unit 2; Naval Beach Group 2; non-governmental organizations Operation Smile and Project Hope; U.S. Navy Maritime Civil Affairs Squadron 2; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 and Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39100
Joint-Military Medical Personnel Work to Give Brighter Smiles
Story Number: NNS080818-03
Release Date: 8/18/2008 2:17:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua (NNS) -- Joint-military and interagency medical personnel set up a mobile dental unit Aug. 16 at at Juan Comenius High School in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, to provide basic dental needs and education to local residents.
Dentists and dental technicians currently embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) for Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 perform basic cleanings and tooth extractions, as well as teach preventive measures with fluoride and oral hygiene instruction to prevent future complications.
"Many of the people need extractions. They have a lot of diseased teeth, and they need to be taken out, that is the most urgent treatment required," said Col. Dan Dupont, officer-in-charge of the mobile dental unit.
Before the patients can make it to a chair, there is a process they must go through. Paperwork must be completed for each patient, followed by a cleaning from a hygienist, and finally, a dentist evaluates their teeth to see what work needs to be done.
Although some were nervous and a little scared, most patients went in with their mouths wide open, braving drills and needles, for a chance to walk out with a brighter smile and healthier teeth.
"I think even though we can't speak their language, a smile goes a long way," said Army Master Sgt. Melanie Armstead-Williams, one of the volunteer dental assistants.
CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations, and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.
After Nicaragua, Kearsarge will visit Colombia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interest.
The Continuing Promise Caribbean Phase is the second of two humanitarian and civic assistance deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first Continuing Promise deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39168
USS Kearsarge Plays Ball With Nicaraguan Veterans
Story Number: NNS080826-04
Release Date: 8/26/2008 3:15:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ernest Scott, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) squared off against the Puerto Cabezas Veteranos in a friendly game of softball Aug. 18 during Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CP 2008 is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.
The game served as a community relations event to further strengthen ties of friendship between the crew and citizens of Puerto Cabezas.
"This interaction with our friends from Nicaragua is important," said Cmdr. Donald Fix, Kearsarge command chaplain. "We've completed many projects together, but this gives us the opportunity to interact on a personal level."
Both teams played a great game, but in the end it was the Veteranos who came out on top, defeating the Kearsage team 12-11.
During CP 2008, Kearsarge will conduct joint civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations. The ship's participation in CP aims to send a strong message of United States compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The ship is scheduled to visit Nicaragua, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet.
U.S. 4th Fleet directs United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean and Central and South American regions and interacts with partner nation navies to shape the maritime environment.
The Continuing Promise Caribbean Phase is the second of two humanitarian civil assistance deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first Continuing Promise deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39261
Continuing Promise Mission Arrives in Colombia
Story Number: NNS080831-07
Release Date: 8/31/2008 6:31:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amy Kirk, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) along with various embarked units began humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) operations in Colombia Aug. 27, marking the ship's second stop in the Caribbean phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CP's HCA mission to Colombia builds on and encourages the establishment of new partnerships between and among the host nation, participating partner nations, non-government organizations (NGO) and international organizations.
The CP mission in Colombia is a collaborative effort that involves military and civilian medical professionals from, Brazil, Canada, Netherlands, and the United States, as well as support from NGOs such as Operation Smile, Project Hope and International Aid.
CP's medical contingent, led by Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 4, moved medical equipment ashore to begin a 13-day clinical operation, working alongside local medical providers at the Candelearia Medical Clinic and the San Cristobal Hospital located in nearby Cienaga.
The embarked Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 along with engineers from the Air Force's 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force began moving equipment ashore to prepare for renovation work at the hospital. They will also construct two small playgrounds at the Los Alpes school and in Palmira village in the Cienaga region.
Kearsarge recently left Nicaragua where the crew worked with the host nation on numerous medical, dental, veterinary and construction projects.
Medical specialists from Kearsarge, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 4, the U.S. Public Health Service, Canada, Brazil and Project Hope worked together with Nicaragua medical professionals to conduct nearly 1,950 dental exams and procedures, more than 2,000 optometry exams, 43 surgeries aboard Kearsarge, provide nearly 7,420 patients primary medical care and filled more than 20,000 prescriptions at several sites in the area.
Engineers assigned to CBMU 202 and Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron 5´s Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force completed projects at seven sites including three schools and a well repair.
The work included the construction of two sea huts, electrical upgrades, roof replacement, playground construction, replacing doors and windows, painting and landscaping.
CP 2008 personnel will work closely with the Colombian government and organizations during the next two weeks. After Colombia, Kearsarge will visit Panama, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.
The mission of CP is to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of U.S. compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet. U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39410
Joint Partner Lending Hand in Homeland
Story Number: NNS080910-05
Release Date: 9/10/2008 1:31:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gina Wollman, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
LOS ALPES, Colombia (NNS) -- An Air Force engineer works to build a new schoolhouse and playground for the community of Los Alpes during the humanitarian civic assistance mission Continuing Promise (CP) Aug. 31.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Richard Monsalve, an engineer embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), is proud knowing he had a hand in helping revitalize an area in his home country.
Raised in Bogota, Colombia, by his grandmother, Monsalve moved to New York City when he was 19. He joined the Air Force in 1995 to gain an education and also to help pay for the education of his siblings.
Over the past 13 years, Monsalve has worked in various areas of engineering and enjoyed most it. However, returning to his homeland with the Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force from the Air Force's 5th Civil Engineer Squadron to be a part of CP 2008 engineering efforts has been one of his most rewarding experiences to date.
"It feels great to be here helping in my home country," said Monsalve.
"Even though I am not actually from Los Alpes, just being back in Colombia and knowing we are helping to build these kids a future make me so happy."
As a child growing up in Colombia, Monsalve visited many different cities with his grandmother, however this was the first time he had visited the small town of Los Alpes.
"I think the closest we came to Los Alpes was Santa Marta," he said. "I didn't really have the chance to see the smaller communities, but now I see how much they need our help, and I am so glad to be able to make a difference."
When the original Los Alpes school burned down in December 2007, the children resorted to taking their daily classes out of local homes sometimes walking more than a mile to get to each other's homes.
"Having to walk to different homes for different classes is hard on the kids here," said Monsalve.
"Especially on days with bad weather, they've had to walk in the rain some days to get from home to class and from one class to another. We are finally giving them their school back, and they won't have to do that anymore. It just means so much."
Returning to Colombia with Kearsarge and partaking in CP 2008 is a lot of work for Monsalve and the other engineers, but he says seeing the smiles on the children's faces and being able to restore a major part of the community makes all the hard work worth while.
"We are making dreams come true for these kids," said Monsalve. "It makes me feel like I have won the lottery just knowing how much we have helped the children and the rest of the community."
CP 2008 is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.
When Kearsarge departs from Colombia they will move forward with the CP mission to Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
Kearsarge is currently under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet.
U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American region and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interest.
The Continuing Promise Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first Continuing Promise deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39453
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August 1977 to July 1983
Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license
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| Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject: USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) |
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Kearsarge Delivers 466 Metric Tons of Disaster Relief Supplies in Haiti
Story Number: NNS080913-33
Release Date: 9/13/2008 6:14:00 PM
From Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) delivered an estimated 114 metric tons of disaster relief supplies Sept. 12 as it continued its logistical support to remotes area of Haiti that have been heavily damaged by recent tropical storms and Hurricane Ike.
Overall, the Kearsarge mission in Haiti has delivered an estimated 466 metric tons of relief supplies in addition to 1,550 gallons of water.
On the fifth day of operations, pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) Squadron 464 flew 17 relief missions to Gonaives and Les Cayes delivering pre-packaged food items such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuit.
"Haiti is in need of a lot of help in this very difficult time," said Rear Adm. Joseph Kernan, commander, U.S, 4th Fleet. "We are here working very closely with various organizations to bring Haiti what it needs to pull through this tragedy."
Donning a pair of Navy coveralls, Kernan worked along side military personnel ashore offloading supplies. Several Sailors commented that seeing the admiral out there among the troops gave morale a big boost and made them want to do more.
In Gonaives, still largely cut off from the rest of Haiti, the water has begun to recede, nut mud and sediment remain in place. Kearsarge's landing craft mechanized vessels are able to reach the port with relief supplies, and helicopters continue to make deliveries.
A northern port city, Gonaives has been described in news reports as "the worst of the worst on the scale of the death and destruction." In 2004, Hurricane Jeanne hit the area killing 3,000 people and leveling much of the city. The last four years' rebuilding effort has been destroyed once again by Hurricanes Hanna and Ike.
In the coming days, Kearsarge will continue to send supplies via helicopters and landing craft vessels to Gonaives, Port-de-Paix, Les Cayes, Jeremie, Jacmel and Saint Marc.
The areas needing the most immediate assistance have been prioritized by U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).
Kearsarge Sailors and embarked units also continue to integrate ashore assisting USAID, the UN's World Food Program and other disaster relief agencies, loading and unloading supplies.
"Right now we're developing a concept of operations on how we're going to help out the country of Haiti," said Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, mission commander for CP 2008. "We do that by talking to people who are in country, USAID, OFDA, and others who are planning relief support. Our goal is to help citizen of Haiti begin to recover from this tragedy."
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting phase two of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes assisting partner nations impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in human suffering or danger to human lives.
Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Department of Defense for military assistance, if needed.
Kearsarge is expected to remain off the coast of Haiti for several days providing disaster relief as needed to support the local and national governments.
Additional information about Kearsarge assistance to the people of Haiti is available at www.southcom.com.
https://navcms.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39720
Continuing Promise 2008 Engineers Rebuild School from Ashes
Story Number: NNS080905-17
Release Date: 9/5/2008 2:50:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maddelin Angebrand, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
LOS ALPES, Colombia (NNS) -- Engineers embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) began work to rebuild a school in Los Alpes, Colombia as part of the humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 Sept. 1.
Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 is working is working with the Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force from the Air Force's 5th Civil Engineer Squadron to rebuild the school.
The Los Alpes school was destroyed last Christmas when faulty wiring caused a fire, leaving the community with the loss of not only the school, but also all the supplies inside, including desks and chalkboards.
"The roof was made of dry wheat, and it got so dry that it burned," said local resident Mariala Diez. "It was early in the morning, nobody knew about it until we saw the smoke; it was so devastating to our community."
The children in the village currently attend classes at local homes or under a small makeshift hut.
"They just have an awning and they have class under that; the kids sit outside in the weather and the chalkboard is hanging in a tree," said Air Force Master Sgt. Roger Scott, engineering project chief and member of the Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force from the Air Force's 5th Civil Engineer Squadron.
Without a shelter, teaching class is difficult for the teachers and the nearly ninety-six students attending school.
"I am very excited to have a new school for all the kids because when it rains we have to move from place to place because we don't have a shelter," said Janiles Volano, a teacher at the school. "It's so hot out here that we have to move the kids back and forth between houses."
The new school will have four classrooms, an office, storage closet and two restrooms. A playground will also be installed along side the school.
"There will be slides, swing sets and a seesaw; not as many climbing parts, so it will be safe for them," said Scott. "They only found out a few months ago about us building the school. I think they will be surprised because, they don't know we are also building a playground."
The new school means more than just having a shelter; it will be a different learning environment.
"I am really happy just like the kids, and it will be easier for us to teach the classes," said teacher Edwardo Volano, "With a school like this we are going to reach the goals we have for the kids, and it will make a better future for them."
The new school is one of several engineering projects being conducted in Colombia as part of the CP 2008 mission being carried out in the South American region.
CP is a joint effort between the United States and partner militaries, non-governmental organizations and partner-nation support organizations to build meaningful, lasting partnerships.
CP will provide support by conducting medical, dental and engineering assistance programs ashore in response to host nation requests and requirements. The deployment's goal is to improve health, prolong life, promote training, and enhance prosperity in the region.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39521
Host Nation Nurse Makes Impact on Humanitarian Mission
Story Number: NNS080906-11
Release Date: 9/6/2008 3:03:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Emmitt J. Hawks, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
CIENAGA, Colombia (NNS) -- During the Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission in Colombia, Sept. 2, joint-military and multinational medical personnel embarked on USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) worked alongside host nation medical staff.
At the Candelaria Medical Clinic, the CP team quickly realized how vital one host nation nurse is to the success of the mission.
Lead registered nurse and military liaison, Edna Pereria, worked quickly and efficiently. Within 15 minutes, she had completed three patient consultations and vaccinated an infant.
When the CP team leaders arrive for work at the clinic, they seek out Pereria to begin coordinating patient care.
"She really is the glue that holds us together," said Lt. Cmdr. Kathaleen Sikes. "She knows the health care system. When we refer patients out, she ensures patients understand procedures and know where to go and receive proper care. She is a great nurse."
As grateful as the CP team is to Pereria, she is just as grateful to those involved in the humanitarian aid to her country and, especially, her community.
"It has been a wonderful experience working with Continuing Promise," said Pereira. "The hospitals are not able to cover the total population with health care, give medicine, and perform surgeries."
Pereira has been a registered nurse for six years and employed at Candelaria for more than a year. She is the lead nurse over 14 staff nurses and the hospital normally sees 250 patients daily.
"She has a really big heart and helps everybody," said Heyleen Diaz, a security officer for the hospital. "She has a caring hand. She is married with two children and hundreds of people who depend on her. We are proud she is a member of our community."
CP will provide support by conducting medical, dental and engineering assistance programs ashore in response to host nation requests and requirements. The mission's goal is to improve health, prolong life, promote training, and enhance prosperity in the region.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States' Maritime Strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39516
"Bichos" Kids' Visit Kearsarge
Story Number: NNS080905-13
Release Date: 9/5/2008 1:13:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Emmitt J. Hawks, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Fourteen guests from Spanish television children's show "Bichos" visited USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) to film during a guided tour, Sept. 2 while the ship was here conducting operations in support of the humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
Arriving by a landing craft utility (LCU) boat, "Bichos" staff members and six junior reporters came prepared to film their guided tour aboard the ship and tell Colombia's younger generation about their experience.
"We brought junior reporters with us to gain a youthful perspective about what joint-military, multi-national forces are like here aboard Kearsarge," said Arier Santiago, a representative of the Integrated Action Team (IAT), a group dedicated to improving relations between people of Colombia and foreign nations. "It is important for the youth of our country to formulate their opinions about relationships with foreign nations. If we have more opportunities, like coming aboard a naval ship available to this age group, the positive impression left on them will be a catalyst for change."
The group toured the well deck, upper vehicle storage, flight deck, bridge, and the ship's television studio. After the tour, they enjoyed lunch in the ship's galley and were treated to a special Damage Control Olympics event involving Kearsarge Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from their own country.
"I believe the ship's crew showed this group a good time," said Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Danielle Ybarra, working as translator for the tour. "We were able to show off our ship to a generation who will remember us for decades to come."
As the tour came to a close, the group headed for the flight deck to be flown back to Santa Marta by pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 in a CH-53E "Super Stallion."
"It was a really great experience," said Natalia Cajica, one of the junior reporters. "I was amazed at how big the ship was and all the technology it takes to run it. I love journalism, but I really want to work with electronics and maybe join the Navy."
The ship is scheduled to complete its CP mission in Colombia Sept. 9 and then head to Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
Kearsarge's mission during CP 2008 is to conduct joint civil-military operations including medical, dental, veterinary and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of United States compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The CP Caribbean phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39520
Joint Force Bio-Med Techs Repair Equipment
Story Number: NNS080907-04
Release Date: 9/7/2008 6:38:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist David G. Crawford, Continuing Promise Public Affairs
SANTA MARTA, Colombia (NNS) -- A team of Navy and Air Force biomedical equipment repair technicians, currently embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visited Candelaria Medical Clinic here Sept. 3 during the humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
Their job is to repair, test, and train personnel on medical equipment.
A majority of the medical equipment in the Colombian hospitals and clinics is donated. Some of the equipment is nonfunctioning and others do not have the manuals.
"We can fix medical equipment so the doctors can better diagnose and better treat the patients," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Renner.
Bio-med technician, Staff Sgt. Doug Cox noted that many of the small medical clinics in Colombia do not have the staff to repair or the money to buy new equipment. Over the last few days here, the team will try to repair and assist staff personnel as much as they can before leaving Colombia.
"A lot of the equipment is in really bad condition," said Renner as he worked on a blood pressure cuff. "Most of the equipment can be repaired with simple things such as light bulbs, and new power cable. But these clinics and hospitals just don't have the means to be able to do these simple things."
Both Cox and Renner feel that the CP mission is doing great things for the people of Colombia and the other countries that will be visited on the CP 2008 mission.
"We can provide a service that no one else can and it has longer lasting impact, helping doctors to take care of their patients," said Renner. "It feels good to help people. I get to do what I was trained to do and people truly appreciate what we are doing."
CP 2008 personnel will work closely with the Colombian government and organizations during the next two weeks providing medical and engineering services in the Santa Marta and Cienaga regions.
After Colombia, Kearsarge will visit Panama, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.
The mission of CP is to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of U.S. compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39585
Kearsarge Sailors Foster An Attitude of Gratitude
Story Number: NNS080908-02
Release Date: 9/8/2008 10:46:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Joshusa A. Nuzzo, Continuing Promise Public Affairs
SANTA MARTA, Colombia (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departed the ship Sept. 5 heading toward Palmira Village to participate in a community relations (COMREL) event, contributing to the humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CP 2008 mission is not only about helping the people of the Caribbean and Central and South America with medical care and engineering, but also building lasting friendships and partnerships among nations.
Crew members embarked aboard Kearsarge visted sites in Colombia, putting up basketball courts for the children, putting a fresh coat of paint on some of the buildings, playing soccer and softball with locals and helping with community clean-up projects.
"We sometimes get caught up in our world and forget about the rest of the world," said Cmdr. Donald P. Fix, Kearsarge chaplain. "We sometimes take life for granted even aboard the ship. I visited the village of Yulu in Nicaragua and here was 3,000 people enjoying life and they had no electricity, but these were still happy people and that's what we need to remember."
COMREL events allow Kearsarge Sailors to get directly involved in the CP 2008 mission ashore. This also gives them an opportunity to build better relationships through the COMREL and see first hand the impact the mission has on the host nation.
"It was great to get off the ship to help," said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (SW) Kimberly Linsley. "Not only did we get to help clean up a park for the kids, but we got to have fun and play with them. Being a parent and grandparent, I really love and enjoy doing things for children."
COMREL events are scheduled to take place in all the countries that make up the CP 2008 HCA mission, giving a majority of crew members embarked aboard Kearsarge an opportunity to contribute even more to the CP mission.
"Allowing the ship's crew to go into these countries and interact with the people who live there gives them a visual for something they might have only read about or learned about in high school," said Fix. "It helps give all of us the attitude of gratitude and appreciate each other and the people of these countries."
Sailors participating said the memories they make for themselves and for those who they help can have a great impact on their lives.
"Some of us are homesick and wish we could be somewhere else," said Fix. "But someday you will look back at your Navy career and the good times are what you will remember so take advantage of what you can now so there will be regrets later."
After leaving Colombia, the Kearsarge headed to Haiti to assist with hurricane relief efforts. The ship is currently scheduled to also visit Panama, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.
USS Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet.
U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
Kearsarge's mission is to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of U.S. compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39584
SOUTHCOM Diverts Navy Ship, Helos to Haiti in Hanna's Wake
Story Number: NNS080906-29
Release Date: 9/6/2008 4:27:00 PM
From U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs
MIAMI (NNS) -- U.S. Southern Command has directed Commander, 4th Fleet to divert the amphibious ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) to Haiti to assist with relief efforts in areas affected by flooding due to tropical storm activity in the Caribbean.
Kearsarge will depart from Santa Marta, Colombia, for Haiti to join other U.S. assistance operations in the vicinity of Port au Prince.
Kearsarge is currently supporting phase two of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes assisting partner nations impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in human suffering or danger to human lives.
Kearsarge's capabilities include rapid movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft, making it an ideal platform to support humanitarian relief missions on short notice.
Airlift assets embarked aboard Kearsarge include the CH-53 Super Stallion and the MH-60S Seahawk.
The crew of Kearsarge includes a team of medical personnel that can provide first-aid and other health care related services to communities impacted by conditions associated with the flooding.
Medical facilities aboard Kearsarge include four operating rooms, 13 intensive-care unit beds, 40 medical ward beds, a laboratory, X-ray equipment and a blood bank.
SOUTHCOM last directed an amphibious ship to assist a partner nation impacted by a natural disaster exactly one year ago. On Sept. 5, 2007, SOUTHCOM dispatched the USS Wasp (LHD 1) to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Felix in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.
U.S. Southern Command military planners continue to work with interagency partners and their counterparts in countries affected by the recent tropical cyclone activity to assess recovery needs in the affected areas and identify additional U.S. military units that may be able to provide assistance.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39589
USS Kearsarge Delivers International Aid in Haiti
American Forces Press Service
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE AT SEA, Sept. 10, 2008 – Aerial delivery of relief supplies to Haiti began from USS Kearsarge Sept. 8, as three helicopters launched from the flight deck to transport food and water to areas suffering from the after-effects of tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna and Hurricane Ike.
U.S. Southern Command directed the U.S. 4th Fleet to divert the amphibious ship from its humanitarian and civic assistance mission in Colombia to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development in mitigating human suffering and loss of life, officials said.
Helicopter crews and ground support personnel directed distribution and loaded relief supplies. On the first day of operations, pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 flew two relief missions to Jeremie, delivering 12 metric tons of pre-packaged food such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits from the World Food Program.
Kearsarge sailors went ashore at the distribution center and integrated with other agencies in Port au Prince to assist with the palletizing and loading of supplies on to the helicopters. Pilots also conducted site surveys for Gonavies, but severe weather conditions prevented surveys of Jacmel and Les Cayes for at least another day.
"The circumstances that bring us here are unfortunate, but it is fortunate we are here," Navy Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds said after taking an aerial tour and witnessing some of the devastation of the areas firsthand. "The unique capabilities that Kearsarge brings with it will ensure that help and aid reaches people quickly."
Three storms in three weeks have left hundreds of thousands in desperate need of food, clean water and shelter. The town of Gonaives was the hardest-hit by the tropical storms, leaving much of the city under water.
Three landing-craft vessels were sent to retrieve supplies from Port au Prince for early distribution the next day to Gonavies.
"Delivering the supplies from the World Food Program gave me a sense that we are restoring hope, that hopefully wasn't completely swept away by the storms," said Navy Ensign Chris Loper, who assisted with the delivery of supplies to Jeremie.
The objective of delivering emergency relief supplies, which included vegetable oil, beans and rice, much of which was provided by Canada to the World Food Program and USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, is to help local governments and relief organizations achieve self-sufficiency as they rebuild from the destruction, officials said.
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting Phase 2 of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes helping partner nations affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador, officials explained. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Defense Department for military assistance, if needed.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51097
Related Sites:
U.S. Agency for International Development
http://www.usaid.gov
Web Special on Relief Operations
http://www.southcom.mil/AppsSC/factFiles.php?id=72
Related Articles:
Special Report: Relief Operations
http://www.southcom.mil/AppsSC/factFiles.php?id=72
Kearsarge Hosts Haitian Prime Minister
Story Number: NNS080910-16
Release Date: 9/10/2008 1:57:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amy Kirk, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE (NNS) -- The prime minister of Haiti visited the amphibious ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Sept. 9, to express thanks and gratitude to the Sailors and the Navy for its part in providing disaster relief support to her country and its people.
During her visit, Michele Pierre-Louis told Kearsarge Commanding Officer, Capt. Walter Towns, that she was impressed with the crew's dedication and hard work in getting much needed supplies to the citizens.
Towns explained that so many Sailor's have volunteered to help that those organizing the working parties have to turn away volunteers.
"What we saw flying over the country was so much damage and devastation to a beautiful country," said Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, mission commander, Continuing Promise 2008. "It's hard for us to grasp it all. You can't help but be choked up. We are here now to help our neighbors, our friends. We are glad to do what we can to help."
During a tour of the ship, Louis met with four Sailors from Haiti serving aboard Kearsarge.
"She was very appreciative of us," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Pierre Toussaint. "It was a great honor to meet her. She thanked us for our part in this evolution, working as translators so we can build a better relationship between the ship and the country."
On Sept. 5, U.S. Southern Command directed Commander, 4th Fleet to divert Kearsarge from its humanitarian/civic assistance mission, Continuing Promise 2008, in the Caribbean to assist the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Department of Defense for military assistance, if needed.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39627
Kearsarge Continues to Support Relief Operations in Haiti
Story Number: NNS080910-20
Release Date: 9/10/2008 3:18:00 PM
From Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) continued her support of disaster relief efforts in Haiti Sept. 10, providing logistical support to remote areas hit hardest by this season's tropical storms and hurricanes.
On the second day of operations, Sept. 9, pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) Squadron 464 flew relief missions to Jeremie and Les Cayes, delivering approximately 45 metric tons of pre-packaged food such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuits from the World Food Program.
Additionally, another estimated 85 metric tons of supplies and water were delivered by landing craft utility (LCU) to the northern city of Gonaives, Haiti's second largest city.
"I think it's good we are actually doing something out here," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Andres Vazques, one of the Sailors assisting with the offload of supplies in Gonaives. "I am glad we're actually helping people who really just went through this situation. They're really in need right now. We're bringing them food, water and supplies - we're not just sitting here. We are getting people in and out every day. We know we are doing our part."
Working on the ground in Port-au-Prince, Kearsarge Sailors along with embarked Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen worked continuously loading and unloading supplies for delivery.
More supplies are scheduled for delivery by air and surface crafts to Gonaives and Saint Marc.
"We are quickly moving to get as many supplies out to the remote areas as possible," said Kearsarge Commanding Officer, Capt. Walt Towns. "Our entire team of military personnel are doing all they can to ease the suffering of those affected by the hurricanes."
Four storms within a month have flooded eight of Haiti's 10 geographic departments, destroying bridges and roads, leaving hundreds of Haitians dead, tens of thousands homeless and thousands desperate for humanitarian aid.
On Sept. 5, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) directed Commander, Fourth Fleet to divert the amphibious ship from its humanitarian/civic assistance (HCA) mission in Colombia to assist in the relief efforts in Haiti following destruction caused by Hurricane Hanna and the threat of Hurricane Ike.
The capabilities of Kearsarge include the fast movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft vessels, making it the ideal platform to support urgent humanitarian relief missions.
Overall, the Kearsarge mission in Haiti has delivered an estimated 141 metric tons of relief supplies in addition to 750 gallons of water.
The objective of delivering emergency relief supplies is to help local governments and relief organizations achieve self-sufficiency as they rebuild from the destruction.
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting phase two of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes assisting partner nations impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in human suffering or danger to human lives.
Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Department of Defense for military assistance, if needed. http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39643
Admiral Calls Haiti Relief Effort ‘Core Mission’
American Forces Press Service
GULF OF GONAVE, Haiti, Sept. 10, 2008 – The Navy admiral who commands of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and the U.S. 4th Fleet said during a visit to the USS Kearsarge today that relief efforts like the one the amphibious ship is performing here are a core mission for U.S. forces in U.S. Southern Command.
Kearsarge was diverted here from Santa Marta, Colombia, to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development in mitigating human suffering and loss of life in Haitian communities affected by tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna and Hurricane Ike.
Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan will review U.S. Naval relief efforts from Kearsarge and visit ship personnel supporting relief operations in Haiti.
"Providing much-needed relief following a disaster of this scope is precisely why we're here,” he said. “This is what SouthCom, the Navy and 4th Fleet does - it is one of our core missions. It is so important to work together with partner nations and U.S. governmental agencies like USAID to help the people in this region after a natural catastrophe like this."
Kearsarge support to Haiti includes the movement of food, cargo and equipment between Port-au-Prince and Gonaives, Jeremie, Saint Marc, Port de Paix, Jacmel and Les Cayes.
SouthCom and 4th Fleet planners continue to work with interagency partners and their counterparts in countries affected by the recent devastating weather to assess recovery needs in the affected areas and identify additional U.S. military units that may be able to provide assistance.
As SouthCom’s naval component 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. Operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.
Re-established on July 12, 4th Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to NavSo, exercising operational control of naval assets supporting operations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.
(From a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet news release.)
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51105
Kearsarge Continues Haiti Relief, Begins Phase II of Recovery
Story Number: NNS080915-09
Release Date: 9/15/2008 3:48:00 PM
From Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- At the direction of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) began preparations for Phase II of its disaster relief efforts in Haiti Sept. 13.
Phase II includes medical and engineering projects, as well as the continued logistical support to remote areas of Haiti that have been heavily damaged by recent tropical storms and Hurricane Ike.
"So far, this operation has gone off perfectly because we have our best-trained military personnel involved. Everyone is willing to help; everyone wants to help," said Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, commander U.S. Military Forces, Haiti.
"Our Sailors and embarked personnel know that the most important thing we can do right now is be here for the people of Haiti. Whether it's delivering food and water supplies or working with USAID and the host nation to provide engineering and medical assessments , we will do what is necessary to help."
On the sixth day of operations, pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) Squadron 464 flew six relief missions to Les Cayes and Jeremie, while landing craft vessels made runs to Gonaives, delivering an estimated 95 metric tons of pre-packaged food items such as flour, beans, rice and high-energy biscuit and 2,500 gallons of water.
Overall, the Kearsarge mission in Haiti has delivered an estimated 560 metric tons of relief supplies in addition to 4,050 gallons of water.
Engineers embarked aboard Kearsarge have met with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) engineers to assess damages to roads and critical infrastructure to determine what repairs can be made and which areas need the most help.
Kearsarge medical teams have met with representatives from the country team, Center for Disease Control and the Pan American Health Organization to discuss assessments and coordination of medical portions of the mission.
In the coming days, Kearsarge will continue to send supplies via helicopters and landing craft vessels to Gonaives, Port-de-Paix, Les Cayes, Jeremie, Jacmel and Saint Marc and other areas as requested by USAID.
The areas needing the most immediate assistance have been prioritized by USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).
Kearsarge Sailors and embarked units will also continue to integrate ashore assisting USAID, the UN's World Food Program and other disaster relief agencies, loading and unloading supplies.
"The men and women of Team Continuing Promise are doing an exceptional job in providing much needed relief to the victims of hurricanes Hannah and Ike," added Ponds. "They are a great bunch one and all, and I am extremely proud of their pride, professionalism and commitment. No finer group of men and women can be found, and I am privileged to have this opportunity to head this mission of compassion."
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting phase two of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes assisting partner nations impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in human suffering or danger to human lives.
Any U.S. military assistance to a foreign nation must be requested by the host nation through the U.S. ambassador. Then, as the lead federal agent, USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance fields the request and asks the Department of Defense for military assistance, if needed.
http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39738
Kearsarge Crews Continue Aid Mission While Ship Departs for Provisions
American Forces Press Service
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, Sept. 17, 2008 – Helicopter and landing craft crews from USS Kearsarge will continue their support of U.S. Agency for International Development-led assistance to storm victims in Haiti as their ship departs tomorrow for a resupply visit to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The ship will visit the naval station to obtain stores, fuel, and other supplies needed to continue supporting U.S. disaster relief operations in Hispaniola.
To date, helicopters and landing craft embarked aboard Kearsarge have delivered over 870 metric tons of relief supplies, including 24,800 gallons of water to devastated communities isolated by damaged roads and bridges.
Three CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters and three landing craft will remain in Haiti supporting USAID and other organizations with the delivery of crucial aid to victims in need of immediate assistance throughout the country while Kearsarge is being resupplied.
"Kearsarge has been operating at the highest capacity possible to distribute vital relief supplies to those affected by the storms, since we arrived on Sept. 8," said Navy Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, commander of the U.S. military relief effort in Haiti. "Kearsarge will return immediately after the onload and refueling are complete.
"Because we are working in close cooperation with the government of Haiti and other [nongovernmental organizations],” he continued, “we will not miss a beat in this key mission."
(From a U.S. Southern Command News Release).
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51217
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Kearsarge Medics Begin Health Assessments in Haiti
American Forces Press Service
MORASE, Haiti, Sept. 19, 2008 – The amphibious ship USS Kearsarge expanded its assistance to disaster relief operations in Haiti on Sept. 17, dispatching medical teams to conduct health assessments of Haitian communities suffering in the aftermath of tropical storms Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Hurricane Ike.
Kearsarge medical teams were the first to arrive in the small village of Morase, quickly setting up operations to determine what services the population needed most. With malnutrition topping the list of concerns, the medical teams conducted health assessments of residents, especially children.
The Kearsarge medical teams, which include partner-nation military medical personnel, are working in concert with the U.S. Agency for International Development and other multinational relief groups.
The medical personnel join Kearsarge's nearly two-week support to the relief efforts. Since Sept. 8, helicopters and landing craft from Kearsarge have delivered more than 980 metric tons of relief supplies and 26,000 gallons of water to devastated communities isolated by damaged roads and bridges.
"Today is a big day, because we are finally 'boots on the ground' with the medical part of the mission to see where the people are, and the needs that they have," Cmdr. Angelica Almonte, a Navy Nurse Corps officer, said.
Heavy rains and major flooding destroyed much of the region's crops, driving food prices higher than the villagers can afford. Medical personnel, concerned about malnutrition, began taking weight-for-height and mid-upper arm circumference measurements to conduct surveys to determine the village's current nutritional needs.
"We are trying to get a nutritional assessment of the children," said Capt. (Dr.) Tim Shope, a Navy pediatrician. "We are also sending a group of health officials into the community to test water and get a general sense of their food and water supply."
The Kearsarge medical team members said the overall health in Morase is good. However, there is a concern that, with difficulty of getting enough food to outlying areas due to washed-out roads and bridges, the population will begin to suffer from severe malnutrition that can impair the immune system, leaving children more vulnerable to diseases such as diarrhea, measles and tuberculosis.
Additionally, an inadequate supply of fresh water could lead to disease outbreaks such as cholera, typhoid and Hepatitis A.
"From the initial assessment, it looks like the people are generally healthy," said Lt. Candace D'Aurora, a Navy Nurse Corps officer. "The main issue right now is the villagers are saying they don't have food or water. That is the biggest issue we must address."
The areas needing the most immediate assistance have been prioritized by USAID‘s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.
Medical teams from Kearsarge will continue to meet with other agencies working in the country, such as the Centers for Disease Control, Doctors Without Borders and the Pan American Health Organization, to plan what services to provide after the initial assessments.
Kearsarge has about 150 military, Public Health Service and nongovernmental organization medical professionals aboard. The medical team was part of the ship's five-month Continuing Promise 2008 humanitarian deployment to the region.
(From a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet news release.)
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51244
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