Second US Navy Ship Joins AirAsia Search

Posted by Eric Haun January 5, 2015

Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Adam Garnett signals an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 on the flight deck of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3). Fort Worth is currently on station conducting helicopter search and recovery operations as part of the Indonesian-led efforts to locate missing AirAsia Flight QZ8501. (U.S. Navy photo by Antonio P. Turretto Ramos)

USS Fort Worth joins USS Sampson as second U.S. Navy ship assisting with AirAsia QZ8501 search efforts. USS Sampson has been on station since December 29.

Fort Worth is the littoral combat ship (LCS) on a rotational deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet and brings maneuverability, speed and a shallow draft, which allows her to conduct expeditious visual and radar searches in a congested, shallow water environment. Fort Worth is also outfitted with a MH-60R helicopter as well as two 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) to further maximize efforts.

"We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of those affected by this terrible tragedy," said Cmdr. Kendall Bridgewater, USS Fort Worth Crew 104 commanding officer. "Having just left Jakarta, Indonesia last week, the USS Fort Worth will assist the Indonesian government in any way possible."

USS Sampson has assisted with searches since she arrived on station Dec. 29. The crew recovered several bodies Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. The remains were treated with all respects to religious customs and sensitivities and all 12 bodies were transferred via the ship's MH-60R helicopters to Indonesian authorities at Iskander Air Base in Pangkalan Bun, Indonesia.

Both ships will remain on station as long as their assistance is helpful to the Indonesian-led multinational search effort.