USS Underwood helped rescue two stranded divers off Jacksonville's coast recently. U.S. Navy Photo

USS Underwood Assists In Rescue

USS Underwood (FFG 36) and its crew recently responded to a distress call while conducting routine operations in the Jacksonville area.

Underwood assisted a Coast Guard cutter and two SH-60B helicopters in the search and rescue of two divers.

Midshipman Joeseph Garbittelli, on board Underwood from Georgia Institute of Technology, first to spotted the divers' spear gun, which led to the rescue of both divers.

''Everyone on board was involved in the effort. I just happened to be the first to spot the spear gun,'' said Garbitelli.

Underwood's rescue swimmers DC3 Brandon Schumacher and GSE2 Alfredo Rodgriguez aided the divers once the crew located them. They came on board Underwood and immediately received medical attention.

According to HM1(SW) ''Doc'' Holder who treated the divers their health was good despite having spent nearly five hours in the water.

''I'm glad we were ale to help in the search and rescue efforts,'' said Lt. j.g. Rick Trevino, on the bridge during the rescue. ''It's things like this that remind me of why I joined the Navy.''

Garbitelli echoed his sentiments, ''We are all proud of the way we responded and, most of all, we are glad to know the divers are alright.''