Underwood Rushes To Support Haitian Relief

Underwood, with embarked Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (Light) 60 (HSL 60), had been conducting pre-deployment training and certifications in preparation for their upcoming Counter-Narcotics and Trafficking deployment. Immediately after being tasked to travel to Haiti, HSL 60 drew on their experience from support operations following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and brought onboard extra air crews, pilots and equipment. A few hours later, Underwood headed south to support relief operations for the people of Haiti.

Underwood stopped overnight in Guantanamo Bay to collect the fuel, food, and stores they would need while in Haiti. The work and support by Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Jacksonville, FISC Detachment Guantanamo, Frigate Class Squadron and Underwood's Supply Department allowed the required critical parts and supplies to arrive in time to meet the ship in Cuba.

The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) and the guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) operate off the coast of Killick, Haiti. Both ships are supporting Operation Unified Response after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince Jan. 12. MC2 Kristopher Wilson

Underwood is one of several ships supporting the joint U.S. military response to provide relief to the people affected by the 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti Jan. 12. Underwood Sailor Cryptologic Technician Technical 1st Class (Surface Warfare) Nicholas Landry said "As Sailors, it is our duty to answer the call of others in need, and to execute national tasking. The crew knows that our mission out here is greatly contributing to rebuilding the key infrastructure in Haiti."

Underwood began working with the port assessment team Jan. 17 to assess, clear, and repair Haiti's main port facilities to allow relief supplies to reach earthquake victims.

Underwood anchored in the Port Au Prince Harbor Jan. 16 and welcomed aboard a hydrographic survey team the following day to assist the relief operations in Haiti. The Fleet Survey Team (FST) was sent by the Navy Oceanographic Center of the Stennis Space Center, located in Hancock County, Miss. Their mission is to scan portions of the ocean floor for new obstructions and to replace navigation aids caused the 7.0 earthquake on Jan. 12. Once the port is cleared, relief ships can safely navigate and anchor in the harbor to deliver their supplies.

Underwood provided the survey team with access to their seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), boat crew and security to help conduct this critical mission. The first priority for the FST was to scan the ocean floor at one of the anchorage spots in the harbor, so USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) could safely anchor after their arrival without running aground. The earthquake created new obstructions in the water like sunken ships and shipping containers, collapsed piers, and shifts to the coral reefs. By clearing this anchorage spot, the hospital ship will be able to get as close as one mile to shore to receive injured personnel and provide relief to the disaster victims of Haiti.

The FST used two types of sonar technology scanning equipment to survey and map the ocean floor. The team used Underwood's RHIB to tow a double beam side scan sonar through the water, which scanned about a 50 meter section with each pass. They also towed a depth finder to determine the depth beneath the boat. These two scans were compiled to provide a 3D model of the ocean floor, showing them where there may be obstructions in the water. The team was then able to determine whether it was safe for the hospital ship Comfort and other supply ships, to anchor in the harbor. Several anchorage and pier locations were surveyed in this manner. The team also installed a new tidal gauge on the main cargo pier in Port-au-Prince. The original gauge was destroyed when half the pier sank after the earthquake.

Underwood and HSL 60, both from Mayport, Fla., are conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations for Operation Unified Response under control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet (NAVSO/C4F).

NAVSO/C4F is directing all Naval assets and personnel in support of Joint Task Force Haiti, the joint command element directing U.S. military capabilities support to USAID and the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).