Bataan (LHD 5) - Naval Cruise Book

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We cared for the wounded... Adrenaline flawing overtime as patient number one is carried in How many walking wounded? I don ' t know, but total patient count should be 10 Like a seamstress working with her sewing machine Every stitch perfectly placed Patient flow was smooth as silk Monthly toils executed As both the green and blue corpsman displayed their skills Each patient provided with expert attention Anxious stretcher bearers labored with smiles on their faces Quick movement vital Elevator operators ready and standing by Smooth transition to optimal care Operating rooms prepped Portable X-rays taken Interpreters times two on the scene ' Numbers become names Names become personalities Around-the-clock hospital care Bestowed upon our Afghanistan guest Soldiers of misfortune Now truly blessed Life is restored Wounded delivered Healed souls returned Actual war casualties witnessed Insensitive nature Blown away We passed our first real test Orchestrated Chaotic confusion Rumors flying all about American servicemen wounded by friendly fire Lines of communication removed without a doubt Condition OPSEC 1 set Dan Rather reports 21 wounded in the city of Kandahar Levels of anticipation increased Physicians in conference discussing plans of action Gather up supplies just like we rehearsed, to say the least Anxiety high Positions everybody -- this is for real Timc.ho w much time have we got? The waiting game begins One, four, or more hours pass Chopper inbound Amber lights glow Beads of sweat trickle down tired faces Thump, thump, thump Reverberating As downward air is whisked across the stern Helo on deck Pulse quickening Combat Cargo scatters Carrying litters to safety Places, Places everyone MAA ' s don ' t forget to check for weapons HMlfay V ' ' , L jl. m Wm fl B ir 9 A 1 Js [32 I