CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Republic of Singapore — Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are helping shipmates across the pier aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56).
This assistance began Aug. 21, while America was traveling west in the South China Sea and proceeded to Singapore where McCain was moored after an early morning collision with the merchant vessel Alnic MC.
Upon receiving orders to Singapore, Capt. Joseph R. Olson, America’s commanding officer, addressed the crew via the ship’s public address system.
“Our main focus today is getting down there safely and rendering assistance, so I ask everyone not to cut any corners,” he said. “We need to do it quickly, but in accordance with procedure.”
While the America transited to Singapore, the crew made preparations to provide food, clothing, and places for their shipmates to rest, setting aside 150 bunks for John S. McCain Sailors.
Chief Fire Controlman Joseph Tsicouris, the ship’s berthing coordinator, led the effort to make room for the McCain Sailors.
“I was very happy to do something to contribute,” said Tsicouris. “It showed how we can all come together to help out during this time.”
As the ship arrived in Singapore, America set up various stations in the hangar bay filled with essentials for the McCain Sailors such as coveralls, boots and soap. When the Sailors walked through the stations, they received provisions as well as berthing assignments.
“We were able to replace some basic items they needed for day-to-day living,” said Lt. Sam Chea, materials officer assigned to the supply department aboard America. “We were honored to provide the John S. McCain with our support, and we wish them the strength it takes to overcome this tragic time.”
Since arriving to Singapore, America’s supply department has continued to provide various necessities including 170 coveralls and more than 500 consumable items. Sailors and Marines from the America and 15th MEU team also assembled hygiene kits of additional items to provide to their McCain shipmates.
“Both Marines and Sailors contributing whatever they had extra on board to help our McCain Sailors,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tonya Jury, an independent duty corpsman assigned to the 15th MEU’s Combat Logistics Battalion. “In essence it was us trying to give them piece of mind by providing these items. It’s just a little piece of how we tried to contribute.”
Additionally, America has kept her doors open to feed both the McCain and America Sailors during the duration of the ship’s time in Singapore.
“It’s definitely an honor to be able to provide the support the [McCain] Sailors need and it’s my pleasure to help someone out,” said Cpl. Bryan August, a culinary specialist assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary (MEU) embarked aboard America. “Helping out is a part of our duty as human beings, as Americans.”
America is the flagship of the America Amphibious Readiness Group. With the embarked 15th MEU and Amphibious Squadron 3, the ship is currently conducting maritime security operations and supporting theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
The 7th Fleet area of operations includes more than 48 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, running from the international dateline to the eastern coast of Africa, and from the Antarctic to the Kuril Islands, Northeast of Japan.