Preparation

CDRE Thomas Negus, USN  November 4 2010 12:42:55 AM

 

The sea is again speckled with white; the ocean a deep, deep blue.  Early morning showers have left the ship clean. A thin film of water clings to the decks, glistening in the morning sun. It is a pleasant morning with clear sky and sharp horizon though a few lingering grey clouds slowly drift over the horizon behind us. Our flagship IWO JIMA sails onward towards waiting station south of Puerto Rico, from which we will rush towards Haiti following the passage of Tomas.

 

We will spend the day studying all of the organizations with whom we may possibly work if called upon to respond in Haiti.  Our purpose will be to integrate into the vast array of capabilities that already exist on the ground, remnants of the international community's commitment to the stricken land.  It will be our job to augment those people and capacities already there - complementing the inherent capabilities provided by the government of Haiti and the many international and non-governmental organizations that call Haiti home. They are preparing to respond to whatever Tomas may bring, we are preparing to help them.

 

We are preparing by ensuring our equipment is ready to go.  Earnest - and tireless - technicians climb all over and comb throughout our helicopters ensuring they are in top shape for what may be some very busy days.  Green shirted electronic experts talk above the heads of most when pinpointing a problematic control system.  A few quick conversations and a scurry for parts and the problem is solved; the helo gets readied for a test flight.

 

We are preparing by ensuring we know the condition of Haiti today.  We pore over maps learning among other things, where the United Nations compounds are.  The UN has maintained significant numbers of troops in Haiti for years; they were instrumental in the aftermath of the earthquake where their local knowledge and years of experience were relied upon as they distributed life saving supplies and provided basic security.  We will help them in the response to this pending storm.

 

It is a clear morning, a refreshing day out here at sea.  The environment inside our magnificent flagship is the same. People are focused, not frenetic.  It is not a time of crisis, there is a calm confidence that permeates our planning.  We have done this before.  We have spent four months working together in complex environments providing help to people in need.  The relationships we made and knowledge we gained during our last stop in Haiti are proving valuable.  We know who to call depending on where we are asked to help.

 

Though we pray we won't be needed, we're ready if we are.

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