Hampton Roads Military Playing Role In Haiti Aftermath

The earthquake disaster has moved hearts around the globe as photos stream in of unbelievable horrors. For many families in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia the disaster is taking on personal overtones as thousands of military personnel have been sent to aid with the recovery and to provide medical assistance - our receptionist's husband is among Navy personnel now in Haiti. Among the vessels dispatched are the hospital ship Comfort (pictured at right). The Comfort - a 900 foot long floating hospital - left Baltimore on Saturday, carrying about 550 medical staff and about 60 civilian mariners. Lt. Cmdr. Heidi Lenzini of the U.S. Southern Command says another 225 medical staff and 125 support staff will join them in Haiti. After the latest aftershock this morning, all Hampton Roads personnel are fine. Here are highlights from the Virginian Pilot:
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No Norfolk-based ships suffered major damage, and no personnel were seriously hurt, during a massive aftershock felt across Haiti early this morning, officials aboard the ships reported. It's not yet known how Haitians and others onshore fared.
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The amphibious assault ship Bataan, the largest vessel with the Norfolk-based group, suffered minimal damage, Capt. Sam Howard told crew members over loudspeakers about 30 minutes after the quake. The ship shook so violently that Howard initially thought it might have run aground, he said.
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Officials aboard the Bataan said no serious injuries have been reported among the crews of three dock landing ships traveling with the Bataan. At least 140 Navy personnel who spent last night on the ground in Haiti also were believed to be OK, a Bataan spokesman said.

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My thoughts and prayers go out to all suffering in Haiti and those who are there to render aid.