Bataan deploys for hurricane relief exercises

By Louis Hansen
The Virginian-Pilot
© September 3, 2008

NORFOLK

As three more storms roll through the Atlantic, the amphibious assault ship Bataan left Norfolk Naval Station on Tuesday morning to conduct hurricane relief exercises.

The ship, holding a crew of 1,100 sailors, will practice humanitarian efforts at sea with its helicopters, landing craft and the medical staff of its 600-bed hospital.

The Bataan's commander, Capt. Rick Snyder, said the mission is open-ended and will make the crew better prepared if the ship is ordered to respond to an emergency while under way. The ship is on call for hurricane and other emergency duties.

Snyder served as the executive officer aboard the Bataan during the ship's response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The multipurpose vessel was the first Navy ship into the gulf after the storm, and its helicopter squadrons evacuated hundreds of people. The ship also provided food and supplies to rescue workers and civilians.

Snyder said the experience was "bittersweet," adding that the Navy and Defense Department are more prepared now for responding quickly to a big storm.

Louis Hansen, (757) 446-2322, louis.hansen@pilotonline.com

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Great Idea

Submitted by HM on Sat, 08/30/2008 at 11:51 pm.

They're going to need all the help they can get down there. BZ Navy.

lock and load

Submitted by drwyfriday on Sat, 08/30/2008 at 9:32 pm.

these are the same helicopters that were shot at during katrina when they were trying to help people??????? make sure they have loaded guns so they can shoot back this time.