More Somali Rescue Photos

Reposting of Navy photos of the Somali rescue.

080608-N-XXX0-003 GULF OF ADEN (June 8, 2008) Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Nicholas Mason, takes vital signs of a patient brought aboard USS Russell (DDG 59) as Ensign Melanie Chambers, Ensign Lisa Bydairk and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Matthew Thompson assist.

080608-N-XXX0-002 GULF OF ADEN (June 8, 2008) Lt.j.g. Scott Mason, embarked aboard USS Russell (DDG 59) from Destroyer Squadron Nine, administers care to a Somali patient brought aboard the ship.

080608-N-XXX0-004 GULF OF ADEN (June 8, 2008) Ensign Melanie Chambers and other members of USS Russell (DDG 59) administer care to a Somali patient brought aboard the ship.

080608-N-XXX0-005 GULF OF ADEN (June 8, 2008) Sailors aboard USS Russell (DDG 59) administer care to a Somali patient brought aboard the ship.

USS Russell Assists Vessel in Distress

The following is a reposting of a U.S. Navy news release:

GULF OF ADEN – USS Russell (DDG 59) responded to a vessel in distress between Bossasso, Somalia and the Yemeni coast in the Gulf of Aden June 8.

A Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 air asset notified Russell of the small boat’s distress call. Russell, operating nearby, proceeded at maximum speed and arrived on-scene to assist the vessel.

The 45-foot small boat experienced serious engine problems leaving it unable to operate at sea and had been adrift for two days.

There were approximately 70 personnel on board the vessel, some of whom were in need of immediate medical attention. Seven personnel were transferred to Russell and treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. The vessel was also re-provisioned for the night and Russell is towing it towards Somalia where the small boat and patients will be turned over to Somali authorities.

080608-N-XXX0-001 GULF OF ADEN (June 8, 2008) Lt.j.g. Doug Marks, a former Navy Hospital Corpsman, offers medical assistance to a Somali patient brought aboard USS Russell (DDG 59) as Ens. Lisa Bydairk and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Christopher Wallace assist.

Coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as search and rescue.

Russell, deployed as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, is operating as part of CTF 150. CTF150 conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) between the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Eye Candy for Sailors, Part 21

Sailors practice pipe patching.

An engineer operates the propulsion plant during general quarters.


The Captain cuts the cake to celebrate the ship’s 13th birthday.

Light Line Transfer

Every now and again opportunities surface to do things that are out of the ordinary. One such opportunity appeared not long ago when we crossed paths with French Ship SURCOUF. Many of our NATO allies still practice “light line transfers”, to pass small items between ships in a pouch attached to a line. The practice originated so ships could pass correspondence and messages at sea, and while it’s not used much any longer, the French Navy still must practice the procedure for proficiency. So, they invited RUSSELL to give it a go and we accepted.

RUSSELL’s key task was to maintain a very steady course and speed while SURCOUF approached from astern. On our signal, SURCOUF positioned herself off our wake at a safe distance for a short time to get a feel for the range of speeds needed to hold position close enough to pass a line. Next, she signaled her approach and increased speed slightly to slowly close the distance. Once in place, she slowed to maintain station and readied for the transfer.


Russell’s gunners initiated the transfer by firing a shot line over SURCOUF’s bow. Their line handlers quickly passed the shot line to the forecastle and bent it to the light line. RUSSELL’s flight deck crew then hauled the shot line in, pulling the light line with it. In no time, the pouch was in hand and the Rig Captain unpacked the cargo of baguettes and bleu and Camembert cheese.

After refilling the bag with some American specialties, RUSSELL gave the signal and SURCOUF hauled in their line. Once it was safely on deck the French ship signaled the completion of the task by hauling out to starboard.


In all it was a great training opportunity for RUSSELL and the cheese was good, too!