As the USS Abraham Lincoln speeds toward the south Asian countries devastated by Sunday’s earthquake and tsunamis, the crew of the Everett-based aircraft carrier is already working to help survivors.
“Everybody on here, from the supply department, medical, to navigation, to the boat crews, to the search-and-rescue swimmers … everybody is gearing up,” said Navy Chief Petty Officer Douglas Stutz, a ship spokesman.
The Lincoln and the guided missile destroyer USS Shoup, also based in Everett, were ordered by the Navy on Tuesday to assist with relief efforts for the victims of the disaster in Sri Lanka.
The Lincoln is expected to arrive within three to four days, and its efforts will be coordinated by a task force based in Utapao, Thailand.
The Lincoln was wrapping up a port visit to Hong Kong when the carrier and its strike group were diverted to the Indian Ocean.
In a phone call from the ship, Stutz said preparations are well under way for the Lincoln’s part in the humanitarian mission.
“The supply guys are collecting additional bedding,” he said.
Sailors in the ship’s medical department are assembling medical supplies, and stores of dry foods are being gathered.
“The guys down at the bake shop have been working around the clock since we found out (Monday) morning,” Stutz added. “They’re baking as much bread as they can, and they’re freezing it to be able to pass it on to the people in need.”
The Lincoln, which has a crew of more than 5,000, also has two helicopter squadrons that can ferry stranded people or search for the boats of fishermen washed out to sea.
The carrier has a full medical department on board with more than 40 personnel, and the ship’s crew regularly undergoes mass casualty and disaster training. The ship can also convert salt water into drinking water.
The Lincoln has previously been sent on humanitarian missions during its 17 years in service. The first was during its maiden voyage in May 1991.
The carrier was on its way to the Indian Ocean to participate in the Gulf War in Iraq when it was diverted to help with evacuation operations in the Philippines after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.
In October 1993, President Clinton ordered the carrier to the coast of Somalia to help with United Nations relief efforts. Aircraft from the Lincoln flew patrols over Mogadishu for four weeks.
“They are as upbeat as can possibly be in dealing with a tragedy like this,” Stutz said. “The loss of human life and the devastation that’s occurred, everybody is more than willing to pitch in.”
The Lincoln and the Shoup both left Naval Station Everett in mid-October on a four-month deployment. Stutz said the Lincoln won’t be kept out to sea longer than expected. It’s due to return to Everett in February.
“We’re going to be home on time,” he said.
The United States also is sending Air Force cargo planes and other Navy assets to help with the relief effort for the 11 countries that were devastated by tsunamis.
Lincoln families said the tsunami disaster has been horrific, but added that they were proud the sailors who will be assisting the survivors.
“It’s unfortunate and it’s sad,” said Becky Knopp of Marysville.
Her husband, Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Knopp, is an aviation ordnanceman on the Lincoln and has been in the Navy nine years. His parents, Bonnie and Dan Knopp, live in Everett.
“I’m glad that the Lincoln is able to help out,” Becky Knopp said.
Reporter Brian Kelly: 425-339-3422 or kelly@heraldnet.com.
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