Underwood Helps Stalled Fisherman

The chance encounter occurred when Underwood's lookouts spotted personnel on board the fishing vessel waving a flag in distress. The Colombian fishing vessel Jireh had reportedly been adrift for four days and requested assistance. Once alongside, Underwood's Rescue and Assistance Team embarked the fishing vessel and immediately began troubleshooting the boat's engine problems. The rescue team members Engineman 1st Class (Surface Warfare) Bruce Miller and Engineman 1st Class (Surface Warfare) Antonio Thompson quickly determined the equipment was beyond repair.

"The Captain of the Jireh (Tomas Morcillo Garcia) was incredibly grateful for our assistance, and it was a pleasure to help those in need," said Thompson.

After supplying the survivors with food and water, Underwood remained with the Jireh until the Colombian navy vessel ARC Andagoya arrived nine hours later to relieve Underwood.

Underwood, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently deployed in Latin America under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO), and U.S. 4th Fleet, conducting counter illicit trafficking operations in support of Joint Inter-Agency Task Force-South, U.S. Law Enforcement and U.S. and participating nations drug control policy.

USS Underwood (FFG-36) is also supporting the U.S. Maritime Strategy by conducting Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) events, such as Community Relation (COMREL) projects including Project Handclasp distributions to countries in need throughout Latin America.