Task Force Katrina

Time for a quick update on what your Navy is doing to support operations in the Gulf region.

Right now, 147 ships in the Navy are underway worldwide, 52 percent of the Fleet. 102 are on deployment around the globe, 19 are part of TFK. That leaves just 21 for training, workups or other dogs-and-cats. The Old Salts can appreciate that OPTEMPO. The 19 in TFK.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) - Gulf of Mexico
USS Bataan (LHD 5) - Gulf of Mexico.
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) - New Orleans, La.
USS Shreveport (LPD 12) - New Orleans, La.
USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) - Gulf of Mexico
USS Tortuga (LSD 46) - New Orleans, La.
USS Grapple (ARS 53) - Gulf of Mexico
USS Swift (HSV 2) - Gulf of Mexico
USS Devastator (MCM 6) - Gulf of Mexico
USS Scout (MCM 8) - Gulf of Mexico
USS Gladiator (MCM 11) - Gulf of Mexico
USS Falcon (MHC 59) - Gulf of Mexico
USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) - New Orleans, La.
USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) - Gulf of Mexico
USNS Algol (T-AKR 287) - Gulf of Mexico
USNS Bellatrix (T-AKR 288) - Gulf of Mexico
USNS Pollux (T-AKR 290) - New Orleans, La.
USNS Altair (T-AKR 291) - New Orleans, La.
USNS Pililaau (T-AKR 304) - Gulf of Mexico

There are some great sources out there to find out what the Navy, and the DoD overall is doing. Both sites have some great photos as well; from LCACs coming ashore, folks getting Navy chow, to a nice perspective of the bulk of the Hospital Ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20).

In your post-911 reflections, remember that the military is good at things beyond “breaking things and killing people.” Food, medical care, water. Did I mention clear, clean, non-JP5 infused water? If you have ever been looking around and there is nothing but non-potable water, you know there is nothing more precious … and no one can make more water than the Navy.

NB: Good interview with SecDef here. Stop by EagleSpeak for some great work covering the Navy’s contributions. More great photos and reporting by Eagle1.