USNS Charles Drew Helps Quench Philippines' Thirst

ORMAC CITY, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- The Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) keeps warships like aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) mission ready with fresh food, JP-5 fuel and even ammunition with vertical replenishments and conventional replenishments, Nov. 17.

During Operation Damayan, Charles Drew provided humanitarian relief to the Republic of the Philippines in the aftermath of super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda with its ability to produce 16,000 gallons of fresh, clean drinking water with a capacity of 50,000 gallons for the displaced residents per day.

"We can produce 2,500 to 2,800 gallons of drinkable water every four hours," said Keith Willeford, Charles Drew's 3rd assistant engineer watch. "We were ready with water when we arrived. 

The crew of the Charles Drew prepared days in advance to accomplish aggressive helicopter lift operations in order to provide Ormac City residents with drinking water and food provided by international agencies.

"We produced ice by placing water in bags inside of boxes and then we froze it," said Norflis McCullough, Charles Drew's supply officer. "We started the whole process six days before we started delivering it to areas in the Philippines."

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 15, 2013) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Yazmin Munoz directs an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Island Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 on the flight deck of the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) during a vertical replenishment with the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of Operation Damayan. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippines government in response to the aftermath of the super typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian H. Abel/Released)

As MH-60S Seahawk helicopters from the "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 landed in isolated villages to deliver water and supplies, residents expressed deep appreciation of the support provided by the U.S. Navy, Charles Drew, the Republic of Philippines government and other international aid agencies in light of the tragedy.

"It was rewarding to do my job, the situation was bittersweet considering how bad people were suffering," said Air Survival Equipment Specialist 2nd Class Peter Glatt, from Linton, North Dakota. "After we delivered the water and supplies, the people were waving their hearts out as we flew away. It felt really good to help." 

The George Washington Strike Group is working with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippines government in response to the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan in the Republic of the Philippines. 

Medical Team goes Ashore to Support Operation Damayan

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 15, 2013) Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) board an SA-330J Puma helicopter carrying medical supplies to be used in the Republic of the Philippines in support of Operation Damiyan. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of the Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris Cavagnaro/Released)

GUIUAN, Eastern Sumar, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the medical department aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) treated wounded Philippine citizens and conducted a health care needs assessment in the Guiuan area during Operation Damayan, Nov. 17.

Lt. Lauren Moses, George Washington's physician assistant, from Port Townsend, Wash., and two hospital corpsmen were flown to the Guiuan Air Force Base where they were transported by Philippine government vehicles to the Rural Health Center.

"We were tasked to go into Guiuan to assess the health care needs in this particular area and to get into contact with the health director, Dr. Maria Flores, to discuss what supplies she needed," said Moses.

The medical team obtained a list of supplies Flores needed and the locations of other local health centers.

"We were assigned to go to other places to assess casualties and injured numbers around the area," said Moses.

Moses and the two hospital corpsmen, with a map in hand, hiked to Municipal Hall to take record of the casualties and to speak with volunteers about the status of needed medical provision. They also gathered information on non-governmental health locations in the area.

The medical team went with Philippine nurses to the Immaculate Conception School and Barangay where they were able to see more than 85 injured civilians.

"We went to the evacuation centers to conduct an assessment," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Quinton Dotson, from Reno, Nev. "There are currently no other government or non-governmental organization medical aid to these shelters."

The medical team returned to the airfield after a trip around the area to assist with the loading and unloading of relief supplies from an HC-130 Hercules from the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3d MEB) as they waited for a helicopter to return to the ship.

"I thank God for the opportunity to be here, and I just want to help as much as I can," said Dotson.

Super Typhoon Haiyan reached speeds up to 195 mph, gusts up to 235 mph and landfall waves of 50 feet. According to the Philippine government's National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the super typhoon impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group is supporting the 3rd MEB in assisting the Philippine government in ongoing relief efforts in response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

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George Washington HTs Pump Out Aid

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 14, 2013) Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Charles Eichman, left, from Blackwood, N.J., and Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Jacob Kaiser, from Huron, S.D., builds a water distribution system to aid in Operation Damayan. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Eric Brann/Released)

PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda tore through the Republic of the Philippines last week and left an estimated 4.2 million people without basic necessities.

The Hull Maintenance Technicians (HT) aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) used their skill and creative knowledge to assemble a device that would fill containers that would be delivered to the affected areas.

"We were told the basic idea of what was needed and we just ran with it," said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Jacob Kaiser, from Huron, S.D. "We were able to harness the ship's ability to distill more than 400,000 gallons of fresh water a day to those who need it most in support of Operation Damayan."

The HTs designed and built a water distribution pipe, christened "the Octopus", which will allow Sailors to fill up to eight fresh water containers simultaneously.

"We were told to make it adaptable for use on the flight deck, and that they were going to fly it off for use in the Philippines," said Kaiser.

Over the course of less than nine hours, the HTs cut, welded and attached handles to control water flow. George Washington's machinery repairmen also aided in the process by creating a brace system so the "Octopus" could be set high enough above the deck for Sailors to fill up jugs of water.

"It's a very simple project, but we needed to just get the idea of how we were going to do it," said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Jeffery Schmoll, from Euric, Mo.

In finishing this "simple project", the HTs helped provide essential recovery aid to Philippine areas that were hit hardest.

"It's pretty great," said Kaiser. "It's hard work but it's for a good cause, so I'm pretty proud."

The George Washington Strike Group supports the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippine government in response to the aftermath of the Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Republic of the Philippines.

USNS Bowditch Prepares the Way for Navy Relief Efforts in the Philippines

USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) -- Navy file photo of the T-AGS 60 Class Oceanographic Survey Ship, USNS Bowditch. Her mission includes oceanographic sampling and data collection of surface, midwater and ocean floor parameters; launch and recovery of hydrographic survey launches (HSLs); the launching , recovering and towing of scientific packages (both tethered and autonomous), including the handling, monitoring and servicing of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs); shipboard oceanogaphic data processing and sample analysis; and precise navigation, trackline maneufvering and station keeping to support deep-ocean and coastal surveys. There are 5 ships in this class. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As U.S. Navy assets steam towards the Philippines to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, Navy hydrographers are busy charting safe passages through potential navigation hazards created by the receding storm surge.

USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62), a Navy survey vessel, was one of the first ships on station and began immediately surveying the approaches to San Pedro Bay to ensure naval relief efforts are conducted safely, and Navy ships can get as close to land as possible.

"In many natural disaster situations around the world, forward-deployed Navy and Marine Corps assets act as first responders for U.S. relief efforts," said Chris Kent, deputy operations officer for the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. "Natural disasters can compromise navigation approaches, making it difficult, even dangerous, to access the harbors. Our job is to identify those hazards."

Kent explained that the storm surge that devastated so much of Tacloban City and other areas around San Pedro Bay typically carry significant debris out into the bay as the surge waters recede. Additionally, powerful forces like this storm surge can shift ocean bottom sediment around, rendering existing navigation charts useless.

"We performed similar roles in the 2004 Banda Aceh tsunami and the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti," Kent explained. "In both cases, Navy survey ships and aircraft went in first to chart the approaches."

By a stroke of good fortune, Bowditch was already in Philippine waters conducting cooperative surveys and training with the Philippine navy when the typhoon hit. In fact, she had to sortie to avoid the storm. As the scope of the disaster quickly became apparent and the U.S. committed ships to the response efforts in support of the Philippine Government, the Bowditch crew was tasked to begin a survey from the 200 meter depth line in towards the shore.

As ships from the USS George Washington strike group closed in on Leyte Gulf to support relief efforts, the Bowditch searched for hazards that could damage high-value assets like the carrier. According to Kent, the shallow depths of San Pedro Bay will require many of the ships in the strike group to anchor well off-shore, accessing the land via helicopters and small boats.

In Okinawa, U. S. Marines are preparing to embark on two amphibious ships, USS Germantown (LSD-42) and USS Ashland (LSD-48), that will sail to Tacloban to provide on-ground assistance. With significantly shallower drafts, these ships will be able to get in much closer to the land, but they will be even more at risk to submerged debris.

Bowditch is operated by the Military Sealift Command for the Naval Oceanographic Office, a component of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Bowditch is one of six Pathfinder-class ships with an all civilian crew of professional mariners and scientific support personnel. With a 329 foot length and a 58 foot beam, the ship displaces 4,762 long tons.

In a recent interview with the Navy's CHIPS magazine, Rear Adm. Brian Brown, commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, described the survey ship capabilities. "These ships have modern full ocean depth multi-beam and single-beam sonar systems for accurately measuring bottom depths and features, towed side-scan sonar systems for acoustic imaging of bottom features and navigation hazards, ocean current profilers, sub-bottom profilers for measuring stratification of seabed sediments, and over-the-side devices that collect physical ocean parameters such as temperature and salinity with depth."

Bowditch also carries two 34 foot long hydrographic survey launch for shallow water surveys. Complemented with wide-beam echo sounders and side-scan sonar, these boats will be essential for preparing the approach for the amphibious ships that will bring the Marines ashore.

"The Navy's survey ships are a little-known but critical asset for the Navy," said Rear Adm. Jonathan White, Oceanographer of the Navy and resource sponsor for the survey ships. "Their work contributes to the creation of accurate navigation charts in all the world's oceans, and helps ensure safety of navigation. They have no home ports and are continuously deployed around the world, stopping only for necessary maintenance work. They are truly a national asset," he added.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group Arrives in the Philippines

PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- George Washington Strike Group (GWSG) arrived in the vicinity of the Leyte Gulf today to support the Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade in assisting the Philippine government in 'Operation Damayan' in response to the aftermath of the Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in the Republic of the Philippines.

"We've completed our high-speed transit and linked up with our U.S. Navy logistical assets from Commander, Task Force 73, which brings 7th Fleet naval forces to participate in 'Operation Damayan' in the Republic of the Philippines," said Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, commander, GWSG. "Specifically, the aircraft carrier, USS George Washington and the cruisers USS Antietam and USS Cowpens will go to a position just off the eastern coast of Samar island in order to begin to assess the damage and provide logistical and emergency support to include medical and water supplies."

In preparation to provide relief support, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 flew a number of fixed winged aircraft to Naval Air Facility Atsugi this morning creating more room on the carrier's flight deck for helicopter operations.

"One of the best capabilities the Strike Group brings is our 21 helicopters. These helicopters represent a good deal of lift to move emergency supplies around."

Also, today the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) transported 11 pallets ashore - 8 pallets containing 1920 gallons of water and 3 pallets of food stores to Tacloban airfield. The Charles Drew is also moving several pallets of water to Guiuan airfield today.

"We have ships conducting a variety of missions. The USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) is surveying water conditions in the Leyte Gulf. USNS Charles Drew and USS Lassen have helicopters and supplies that are bringing emergency supplies into Tacloban, one of the hard hit areas. Emory S. Land also provides a good ship-to-shore hotel services to Tacloban. The George Washington, Cowpens and Antietam are off the east coast of Samar. A third area of focus is Ormoc, where we're sending USS Mustin right now," said Montgomery.

Currently, the George Washington Strike Group consists of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Antietam (CG 54), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Mustin (DDG 89), and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10), Pathfinder class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62), and submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS-39).

Hospital Ship USNS Mercy Activated For Relief Efforts In The Philippines

SAMAR, Philippines (July 1, 2012) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) sits off the coast of the Philippines during Pacific Partnership 2012. Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is a U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission U.S. military, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international organizations designed to build stronger relationships and disaster response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Feddersen/Released)

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, directed the activation of the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Nov. 13 to be ready to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

Berthed in San Diego, USNS Mercy has been in a reduced operating status, which is normal for a hospital ship. Harris' activation order accelerates Mercy's ability to attain full operating status to include moving necessary personnel and equipment to the ship.

If ordered to deploy, Mercy would get underway in the next several days and could arrive in the Philippines sometime in December, joining other U.S. Pacific Fleet units already supporting Operation Damayan.

On Nov. 11 Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel ordered the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and her escort ships to depart early from a liberty port in Hong Kong and make best possible speed for the Philippines. George Washington, USS Antietam (CG 54), USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USNS Yukon (T-AO-202) will arrive off the coast of the Philippines the evening of Nov. 14 local time.

U.S. Pacific Fleet ships already operating in the Western Pacific were also immediately diverted. USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), and USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) are now on station and coordinating with the Philippine government. The U.S. Navy also has P-3 maritime aircraft already supporting the disaster relief effort led by the Government of the Philippines.

The amphibious ships USS Ashland (LSD 48) and USS Germantown (LSD 42) are departing Sasebo, Japan, Nov. 14 local time. After picking up Marines, equipment and relief supplies in Okinawa, the two ships will arrive at the Philippines in approximately one week. USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) are also heading to the Philippines.

This collection of ships and their complement of aircraft, to include much-needed helicopters, will provide food and water, the capability to move relief supplies to isolated areas, and to help move the badly injured for medical care. 

The U.S. Navy persistently trains with numerous Pacific nations and military units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to prepare for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. In 2012, Mercy participated in the annual Pacific Partnership mission, which included working with Philippine authorities in the vicinity of Tacloban, the area hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan. Because of the long-standing partnership between the two nations, the U.S., working through the Philippine government, is able to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities and supplies in times of crisis. 

The role of U.S. military forces during any foreign humanitarian assistance event is to rapidly respond to host nations' requests for support to help mitigate human suffering, prevent further loss of life and mitigate property damage. The U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team has a particularly successful history of working with international relief organizations and host nations to respond to natural disasters.

Operation Damayan is part of the broader U.S. Government effort to support the Government of the Philippines's request for humanitarian assistance. This joint team effort includes coordination by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development, in constant consultation with Philippine authorities. To date, Philippine and U.S. personnel have transported more than 107,000 pounds of relief supplies. 

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Typhoon Haiyan Response Photo Gallery

MANILA, Philippines (Nov. 12, 2013) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Xavier L. Cannon and members of the Philippine Armed Forces help civilians displaced by Typhoon Haiyan disembark a C-130 aircraft at Villamor Air Base. U.S. service members are assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines as they preform recovery efforts for the people affected in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anne K. Henry/Released)

TACLOBAN, Philippines (Nov. 12, 2013) Civilians displaced by Typhoon Haiyan board a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules at Tacloban Air Base before being transported to Manila. U.S. service members are assisting the Armed Forces of the Philippines as they preform recovery efforts for the people affected in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anne K. Henry/Released)

HONG KONG (Nov. 12, 2013) Quartermaster 3rd Class Juan Burns reviews navigational charts in the bridge wing aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) as the ship prepares to leave port Hong Kong. Antietam is on patrol with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Declan Barnes/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 13, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 remove equipment from an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to make room for transport of cargo and personnel. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is en route to the Republic of the Philippines to support humanitarian efforts in response to Typhoon Haiyan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas/Released)

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Ospreys deploy to Philippines

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP S. D. BUTLER, OKINAWA, Japan - Four additional MV-22B Ospreys departed Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Nov. 13 to support Operation Damayan, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operation in the Republic of the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

As of Tuesday 129,000 pounds of relief supplies have been distributed and hundreds of displaced persons have been relocated to Manila.

The four additional MV-22B Ospreys will assist the U.S. Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force, who have already deployed to provide a wide range of relief efforts to the Philippines.

Including those that deployed today, there are currently eight MV-22B Ospreys belonging to Marine Medium Tiltrotor 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, deployed in support of Operation Damayan.

The MV-22B provides a unique capability in this type of operation, with its vertical take-off and landing capabilities allowing it to operate in austere environments. Its ability to convert quickly to fixed-wing configuration gives greatly increased speed and range over the traditional rotary-wing aircraft, substantially strengthening our ability to save lives and reduce suffering. The aircraft's range allows it to deploy four times the distance from Okinawa as traditional rotary wing aircraft without stopping to refuel.

"The MV-22B Osprey is the ideal aircraft for this situation. Its medium-lift capacity and ability to fly great distances are essential to support relief efforts of such a large scale area" said Lt. Col. Joseph Lee, executive officer of VMM 262, 1st MAW, III MEF. "The squadron was prepared for this operation and on their way to the Republic of the Philippines within 24 hours to begin assisting in the relief efforts."

Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government's national disaster risk reduction and management council.

Since 1990, the U.S. Government has responded to more than 40 disasters in the Philippines at the request of that country's government, ranging from volcanic eruptions, drought, and population displacement.

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As number of children affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan rises to 4 million, UNICEF steps up emergency response

Number of children affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan rises to 4 million
New York - UNICEF is racing to deliver emergency supplies to areas of the Philippines ravaged by Super Typhoon Haiyan on November 8, as the latest estimates indicate that as many as four million children could now be affected by the disaster.

Children who escaped Haiyan still need urgent assistance to survive in the aftermath of the storm. Health is an urgent priority due to the impact of the typhoon on water supplies and sanitation systems. Children also need safe and protected spaces to be able to play and continue their education while adults work to recover their homes and livelihoods.

UNICEF is mobilizing therapeutic food for children, as well as kits containing health, water and hygiene supplies, from stocks already available in the country, to support up to 3,000 families in the affected areas. As soon as access is possible, these supplies will be distributed to the hard-hit area of Tacloban.

“We are rushing to get critically needed supplies to children who are bearing the brunt of this crisis,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Tomoo Hozumi. “Reaching the worst affected areas is very difficult, with limited access due to the damage caused by the typhoon to infrastructure and communications. But we are working around the clock to find ways to get these supplies to children as quickly as conditions allow.”

UNICEF is airlifting $1.3 million worth of additional supplies from its warehouse in Copenhagen for another 10,000 families, including those affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol. The shipments contain water purification tablets, soap, medical kits, tarps, and micronutrient supplements.

“As we get a better picture of the impact of this devastating crisis, it is clear that even more children are affected than first thought,” said Hozumi. “UNICEF is doing all it can to reach these children, as quickly as possible with critical supplies, to protect their health, safety and wellbeing in the difficult days ahead.”

How to help: For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to UNICEF’s relief efforts, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:
Website: www.unicefusa.org/philippines
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS
Text: RELIEF to 864233 (UNICEF) to donate $10
Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10038

As with any emergency, in the event that donations exceed anticipated needs, the U.S. Fund will redirect any excess funds to children in greatest need.