GULF OF OMAN –
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) responded to a distress call from the M/V Kokuka Courageous in the Gulf of Oman the morning of June 13.
The Bainbridge received a call from the Kokuka Courageous crew advising that their ship was in distress approximately 30 nautical miles from Bainbridge’s location.
“This is what we’re out here for,” said Cmdr. M. Kathryn Devin, commanding officer of Bainbridge. “Our mission is to ensure maritime safety and to answer the call for aid when we can.”
All 21 crew members of the Kokuka Courageous had evacuated to a tug boat and were transferred to the Bainbridge. One of the Kokuka Courageous sailors suffered burns on his hands and was treated immediately by the Bainbridge medical team.
Once safely aboard Bainbridge, the Kokuka Courageous crew received medical check-ups, showers and clean clothes along with food and any other attention they required.
“I’m very proud of my crew and their quick response to the situation,” said Devine. “They’ve done an incredible job of making sure the crew of the tanker was safely brought aboard and taken care of.”
Bainbridge is underway as part of Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group's (ABECSG) deployment in support of maritime security cooperation efforts in U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.
With Abraham Lincoln as the flagship, deploying strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 12 (CSG 12), Destroyer Squadron 2 (DESRON 2), USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and Carrier Air Wing 7 (CVW 7).
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