The US Navy has deployed San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Haiti in the wake of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
Arlington departed Naval Station Norfolk on August 17, support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) led mission.
The mission forms part of an inter-agency framework lending aid to Haiti, including the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which was deployed Aug. 14 immediately after the earthquake occurred.
Arlington deployed with two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, a landing craft unit (LCU), a fleet surgical team, and a contingent of Marines for additional support.
“When it comes to crisis, to watch how quickly we spin up and support with one ship and a bunch of folks is amazing,” Commanding Officer of Arlington, Capt. Eric Kellum, said.
Arlington will be joining Royal Navy supply ship RFA Wave Knight, which is already aiding the relief efforts.
The ship is acting as a ‘floating petrol station’ for US Army helicopters spearheading the relief effort – ensuring the Black Hawks do not have to return to base to refuel, allowing them to spend much more time concentrating on their rescue and relief mission.
Already positioned in the Caribbean for hurricane season, RFA Wave Knight was able to respond rapidly to Saturday’s devastating earthquake, arriving off the coast of Haiti Tuesday afternoon.
“The tragedy ashore in Haiti shows why we need to be ready for disaster relief operations. I’m proud of the Task Group’s response,” said Commander Brian Trim, Commander of the UK’s Caribbean Task Group.
“We’ve moved fast and today we started work, supporting our partners to deliver aid and save lives on shore. And we’re ready for more challenges ahead, with new tasks in the coming days.”
RFA Wave Knight, whose main role is to deliver fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels, is now providing logistical support to the international humanitarian response in Haiti.
Wave Knight is in the region with patrol ship HMS Medway and a specialist disaster relief team plus equipment, to offer aid in the event of a natural disaster during the Caribbean hurricane season.
