Atlantic Ocean (Dec. 1, 2006) - A boat crew from the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) returns to the ship after rescuing the crew of the fishing vessel �Miss Melissa,� which was taking on water in heavy seas and 40-knot winds. The ship�s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Brad Lee, answered Miss Melissa�s distress call immediately deploying a crew of five personnel in a ridged hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to retrieve the crew, later sending a team back to the fishing vessel to assist with dewatering efforts. The Coast Guard later towed the boat back to port. The rescued crew was brought aboard San Antonio and provided, dry clothing, food, and an opportunity to make phone calls home. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Erik Hoffmann
Posted: 12/01/2006