Makin Island ARG evacuates NOAA researchersBy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Corwin Colbert, USS Makin Island

Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN – Sailors and Marines from the Makin Island Amphibious Ready

Group conducted a recovery of 11 researchers with the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National

Monument.

The purpose of the operation was to assist the researchers in retreating from imminent

danger of Hurricane Iselle that is expected to impact Lisianski Island, Laysan Island, and

the Pearl and Hermes Atoll.

“We work with NOAA and we’re out here almost every summer in the Northwest

Hawaiian Islands working with Hawaiian Monk Seal pups doing mostly population

assessment,” said, Carrie McAttee, a NOAA researcher. “We’ve been here since June and

we were supposed to be here until September.”

Hurricane Iselle, the first hurricane to strike the Hawaii Islands in more than two decades,

threatened the safety of the researchers, who were not equipped to withstand the extreme

conditions of the looming storm.

“They [NOAA] had told us that a storm was coming. The reports said that there would be

winds of maybe 30 knots and we’ve been through that so we weren’t worried. Then next

thing we heard is that we were going to have to leave the island,” said McAttee.

USS Makin Island (LHD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS San Diego LPD 22) each

deployed rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) that traveled more than four miles and

endured rough seas and seven-foot swells to reach their destination. Once the boats

reached the coastline, they carefully maneuvered to receive the researchers and their gear

without affecting the endangered marine life below.

Getting the researchers onboard safely was a top concern. “It was important to us to

ensure this was a safe evolution for all involved,” said Capt. Vic Cooper, Commodore,

Amphibious Squadron Five. “We carefully considered the safety of the researchers, our

Sailors and Marines, equipment and the environment every step of the way.”

Once all researchers were accounted for, the RHIBs returned to their respective ships and

the researchers were given a warm welcome, a place to shower, dry clothing and a meal.

“It was quite impressive how quickly it all happened,” said Kristine Meise, a NOAA

researcher. “We were told yesterday that we were going to be evacuated and we didn’t

know how or when. The next day you show up and now we’re here. You guys were

really efficient in getting here and getting us on board. We definitely want to thank

everybody that we’ve met on the ship.”

All of the researchers were grateful for the U.S. Navy’s commitment to lending a helping

hand.

“To get rescued by the Navy is definitely a once in a lifetime event,” said Jessica Farrer,

NOAA biological research technician. “It was an awesome but different experience and

my team is glad [they were] there.”

“Anytime we have the opportunity to help those in need, we will do our very best,” said

Capt. Alvin Holsey, commanding officer, USS Makin Island (LHD 8). “Our Navy makes

a difference everyday throughout the world, and today we were proud to be able to make

a difference here.”

Capt. John Menoni, USS San Diego commanding officer, echoed those thoughts.

“This is what the Navy is all about, helping others in need and be ready when called

upon,” said Menoni. “The San Diego team has shown our ability to accomplish anything

and work together to get the job done.”

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is the single largest conservation area

under the U.S. flag and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. It

encompasses 139,797 square miles of the Pacific Ocean.

Makin Island ARG is on a scheduled deployment to promote peace and freedom of the

seas by providing deterrence, humanitarian aid, and disaster response while supporting

the Navy’s maritime strategy in the U.S. 7th and 5th fleet areas of responsibility.