Jouett (CG 29) - Naval Cruise Book

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MISSION OF MERCY FIRST PLACE WINNER PHOTO CONTEST J03 BRIAN FINNERTY

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On the morning of 10 September 1979, a series of events began which immediately brought in- ternational attention to the USS JOUETT. En- route from Singapore to Subic Bay, JOUETT was contacted by a U.S. P-3 aircraft. The pilot had people behind. JOUETT arrived after dark. With the aid of flares dropped by the P-3, we found 16 men, 5 women, and 16 children. They were in much worse condition than the other refugees. At sea for 21 days without adequate provisions, VIETNAMESE REFUGEES spotted a possible Vietnamese refugee boat some 360 miles east of Saigon in the South China Sea. Arriving at the scene a few hours later, we found a small wooden vessel flying a tattered S.O.S. flag. A special team boarded JOUETT ' s Motor Whale Boat and went to inspect the condi- tion of the vessel. Based on the team ' s report, Captain Martin declared the vessel to be un- seaworthy. He then ordered that the refugees be taken aboard JOUETT. Later, their boat was sunk to avoid leaving a navigational hazard. I 7 men, 19 women, and 11 children came aboard. They were organized by families and given emergency medical treatment, showers, and clean clothing donated by members of the crew. Then they were taken to the Helo Hangar. This area had been rigged with mattresses, pil- lows, and fresh linen. After a hot meal, 47 ex- hausted people settled down for their first com- fortable night in days. The next morning, we were investigating a small radar contact. This proved to be another refugee boat with 22 men, 10 women, and 10 children aboard. Our Refugee Assistance Detail went into action again. Within hours, JOUETT received another P-3 report. A refugee boat had been encountered by Soviet warships. The Russians, however, left the they had resorted to eating dried jellyfish and drinking seawater or urine. As a result, many were severely dehydrated. Some in the boat had already died. We continued to investigate further possible contacts for about 12 hours. No other crafts were located. A pregnant woman and a 16 year old boy needed immediate hospital care. Ending the search, we proceeded at full speed toward Subic Bay. Upon nearing the coast of Luzon, Navy helicopters were dispatched from Cuhi Point to MEDEVAC the woman and boy. JOUETT ' s distinct effectiveness in handling the rescue was immediately noted by COM- MANDER SEVENTH FLEET. All ships in the South China Sea area received a message with guidelines developed by the JOUETT. These guidelines were recommended for use in all sub- sequent refugee operations. For their outstanding contributions to the res- cue, three JOUETT men received high honors presented by Captain Martin on 28 December. On behalf the SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, COMMANDER SEVENTH FLEET awarded the Navy Commendation Medal to HMC Robert Li- vengood, the Navy Achievement Medal to ENS Richard Faust, and the Navy Achievement Medal to PNC Larry Gibson.

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f RESCUE AND ASSISTANCE