MEDEVAC delays my return

Happy to be back for the holidays after a couple weeks at sea.  In addition to our regular training missions we were called on to help out a few fellow mariners.  The latest call came as we were within sight of the pier - we turned the ship around and headed back out to sea with many families (and a many onboard the ship) wondering where we were going.  We were able to coordinate the rendezvous with another US warship, pick up one their sailors who has suffered major head trauma,and after a brief evaluation onboard our ship we flew him to South Carolina for further treatment.  We call this mission "MEDEVAC: or Medical Evacuation.

Bush dispatched to help injured sailor

Carrier was scheduled to return to Norfolk on Wed.

Published : Wednesday, 15 Dec 2010, 4:42 PM EST

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A MH-60S Knight Hawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) conducted a medical evacuation on Thursday of an injured sailor off a U.S. Navy submarine conducting operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
On Wednesday, the George H.W. Bush was ordered to make "best speed" to assist the injured sailor, who had a head injury, according to the Navy.
The Mayport, Fla.-based USS Boone was also dispatched to aid the submariner.
A Navy neurosurgeon, assigned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, assessed the sailor and both were transported to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., for further evaluation and treatment as necessary. The last assessment listed the sailor in stable condition.
"Mariners at sea take care of each other," said Vice Adm. Daniel P. Holloway, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. "There is no better way to show our sailors and their families the extent the Navy will go in order to take care of their own."
The Bush was scheduled to return to Naval Station Norfolk on Wednesday after conducting training operations off the eastern coast of the U.S., while the Boone is already underway conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
An unconfirmed account received by WAVY News 10 indicates the carrier was past the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and close to Naval Station Norfolk around noon when it hurriedly came about and went back out to sea.
"The saying that we never leave a shipmate behind was proved today," said Capt. Chip Miller, George H.W. Bush commanding officer. "There was a sailor out there who needed our help, and we were honored to receive the call. I am very proud of the professionals on board this ship and our families at home who provide constant support."
The Bush embarked with three MH-60S Seahawks from HSC-26 and one C-2A Greyhound from Fleet Logistic Squadron Four-Zero (VRC-40). The Boone will embark one SH-60B Seahawk from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four-Two (HSL-42) and additional medical staff to include a fleet surgeon and anesthetist to support this operation.
The SH-60B Sea Hawk from HSL 42 provided surface surveillance and search and rescue support during the medical evacuation.
This marks the second time the crew of George H.W. Bush was able to lend a helping hand in December 2010. The ship assisted a sailboat stranded 90 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, N.C., on Dec. 3 by supplying them with fuel on their return to Norfolk.
"Being extended at sea is something we are always prepared for," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Caleb Haynie, a member of the George H.W. Bush's Medical Department. "If the roles were reversed, I would want the Navy to do anything and everything to save me. And I'm proud to be part of the medical team that helped this sailor get home safely for Christmas."