Posted on 05/08/2006 6:23:38 PM PDT by SandRat
ABOARD USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Germantown (LSD 42) provided medical assistance to an injured Iranian fisherman May 7, in the Northern Persian Gulf.
During routine surveillance of three dhows by Germantown’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team, radio contact revealed an injured crew member on one of the vessels. The dhow’s master stated that the crew member injured a foot during rough seas the day before and requested medical assistance from the VBSS team.
A corpsman from Germantown was then transported to the dhow, where he diagnosed the injured man with a severe sprain and possible fracture of the left foot. The corpsman wrapped the injured foot in a splint and provided ice to reduce the swelling.
“This was another case where the continued presence of maritime coalition forces in the Arabian Gulf resulted in an opportunity to help out a fellow mariner in need,” said Cmdr. John Deehr, USS Germantown’s commanding officer. “This wasn’t a shot in the dark of two ships randomly passing, but the direct product of a dedicated strategy to provide security and assistance in the area. We were happy to help and believe we make a difference in both the crew member’s long-term health and the security in the region."
"It was a great opportunity for Germantown Sailors to interact firsthand with regional countries and render necessary assistance where needed,” said Lt. j.g. Jeremy Fonvielle, Germantown boarding officer. “The crew invited us on board, were extremely friendly, and very appreciative of the medical assistance we rendered to their injured crewman."
Germantown is part of Combined Task Force 152 and is deployed as part of a routine rotation of U.S. maritime forces in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the region.
MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
PING
What if he had a bomb straped to him?
The Hospitalman would have gone no matter what to do his sworn duty of healing the sick.
President Ahmadinejah must be stewing into tomato soup over this "missed opportunity".
Yeah, I know. I was just thinking of the Cole.
Law of the Sea and USN Moral obligation to answer a calls from a vessal in distress.
No reason why you can't answer cautiously though, huh? :')
Yep.
Is the Germantown named after the Revolutionary war battle? I used to live in the Germantown section of Philadelphia and saw reenactments of that battle.
One would assume so.
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