Last modified Thu., November 19, 2009 - 09:09 AM
Originally created Thursday, November 19, 2009

USS De Wert Assists Mariners In Distress

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ 5th Fleet, Public Affairs

Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Nov. 4, 2002) -- USS De Wert (FFG 45) passes the newly installed anti-boat barrier system as it approaches the pier, during its arrival for a brief port visit. De Wert is on a six-month deployment from its homeport of Mayport, Fla., and is currently assigned to Standing Naval Forces, Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) in support of Operation Active Endeavor. Active Endeavor's mission is to conduct naval operations in the Eastern Mediterranean to actively demonstrate the North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationÕs (NATO) resolve and solidarity. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley. (RELEASED)
Paul Farley

A disabled Yemeni dhow was given assistance by the frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45) Oct. 27 while the ship was on routine patrol in the Red Sea.

At approximately 6 p.m., Oct 27, the crew of the Yemeni-flagged dhow Al Faris signaled the warship by flashing lights in their direction which were seen by Boatswain's Mate Seaman Robert Yancey on the ship approximately 4,000 yards away.

"Some of my friends are fortunate to have jobs and I'm on the other side of the world saving lives," said Yancey. "This is what being a Sailor in the U.S. Navy is all about."

A visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team launched a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) and approached the dhow to investigate. Upon reaching the dhow, the team learned that the dhow and its 17 passengers had been at sea for seven days and were without food and water and hadn't had fuel for four days.

"The Chief of Naval Operations recently stated that our Navy is a global force for good," said Cmdr. Sean McLaren, De Wert's commanding officer. "The crew of De Wert was energized by the chance to do some good here."

Boxes of food and containers of potable water were then delivered to the dhow by De Wert Sailors who also gave the passengers flashlights, oil and fuel before the frigate escorted the dhow to its desired location

. "I am very proud of the way De Wert team worked together to ensure the Yemeni dhow made it to safety," said Lt. j.g. Brandon Schmidt, De Wert's weapons officer and VBSS boarding officer. "Any time you can help someone who's in such a dire situation and see how grateful they are for your help gives you a great deal of satisfaction," he said.

De Wert is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) from its homeport of Naval Station Mayport, Fla.