080629-N-0640K-067 PANAY ISLAND, Philippines (June 29, 2008) Commander Carrier Strike Group Seven, Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup, center shows U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie A. Kenney, the areas in the Philippines where USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) has delivered supplies during their relief efforts in support of the Philippine government. American and Philippine military and government leaders met at Iloilo Airport to share their goals and show their support for the Typhoon Fengshen relief effort. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, Reagan is off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer S. Kimball

(U.S. Embassy Manila 06/25/2008)

Following their meeting in the Oval office on June 24, United States President George W. Bush and Republic of the Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo agreed on the immediate deployment of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group to waters in the vicinity of Iloilo, Republic of the Philippines. The carrier group will support immediate rescue, recovery, and disaster relief efforts being carried out by Philippine authorities in the aftermath of Typhoon Frank (Fengshen).

As President Bush said, “I expressed to President Arroyo our deep condolences to those who suffered as a result of the typhoon. We, the American people, care about the human suffering that's taking place, and we want to help our friends in a time of need.”

The arrival of the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group in the Republic of the Philippines exemplifies the longstanding ties between the United States and the Philippines and the U.S. commitment to assisting the Philippines, in keeping with our mutual commitments under the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty.

USS Ronald Reagan is the largest and newest of the Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Its on-board aircraft are able to assist with transportation of cargo, aerial damage assessment, and support search-and-rescue operations. Under the direction of Philippine disaster relief authorities, USS Ronald Reagan personnel may provide assistance including aircraft support, production and delivery of potable water, medical assistance activities, and machinery repair.

080626-N-4009P-556 PHILIPPINES (June 26, 2008) Lt. Col. Oscar Lasangue (a Cabatuananon), the civil relations commander of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Central Command, left, and Capt. Thomas P. Lalor, deputy commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, discuss the flight route for the delivery of food and water from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to devastated areas in the Republic of the Philippines caused by Typhoon Fengshen. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, Ronald Reagan is off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Ronald Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Painter

The USS Ronald Reagan’s carrier group includes the cruiser USS Chancellorsville, the destroyers USS Decatur, USS Gridley, and USS Howard, the frigate USS Thach, and other supporting vessels.

The USNS Stockham and U.S. Navy P-3 maritime surveillance aircraft continue to provide support and U.S. Navy divers are assisting Philippine personnel with rescue and recovery efforts on the capsized ferry, MV Princess of the Stars.

President Bush Meets with President Arroyo of The Philippines

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met President George W. Bush at the Oval office of the White House. 6/24/2008 Photo by Jerry Carual/PCPO

White House Oval office
June 24, 2008

10:25 A.M. EDT

PRESIDENT BUSH: Madam President, it is a pleasure to welcome you back to the Oval office. We have just had a very constructive dialogue. First, I want to tell you how proud I am to be the President of a nation that -- in which there's a lot of Philippine-Americans. They love America and they love their heritage. And I reminded the President that I am reminded of the great talent of the -- of our Philippine-Americans when I eat dinner at the White House. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Yes.

PRESIDENT BUSH: And the chef is a great person and a really good cook, by the way, Madam President.

We talked about our friendship, our bilateral relations, and we spent some time on foreign policy.

First, I expressed our deep condolences to those who suffered as a result of the typhoon. And I know there's some families that are hurting. Some are wondering whether or not their loved ones will, you know, reappear. We, the American people care about the human suffering that's taking place, and we send our prayers.

Secondly, I informed the President -- Secretary Gates informed the President, through me, that the United States will move the USS Ronald Reagan, a large aircraft carrier, to help with the assistance, along with other U.S. Navy assets. We're happy to do it. We want to help our friends in a time of need.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met President George W. Bush at the Oval office of the White House. 6/24/2008 Photo by Jerry Carual/PCPO

We talked about, you know, food, and I assured the President we'll continue to help. We helped with rice in the past. And, you know, I'm proud of my country. We give a lot of food aid, and this is a time where America needs to step up, and we will, Madam President.

We talked about our mutual desire to advance how important it is to move forward the bilateral and multilateral trade agendas. I'm a -- I believe trade is beneficial to both our countries. I'm hopeful we can get a Doha Round done, and we strategized together about how we can move the process.

I congratulated the President on her strong stand on counterterrorism -- more than strong stand -- effective stand on counterterrorism, as well as laying out a vision for peace. The President has been very strong in having a carrots-and-sticks approach -- "sticks," of course, say we're not going to allow for people to terrorize our citizens; the "carrot" approach is that there's peace available.

We talked about Burma, the area, the region. The President has been a very strong leader when it comes to the freedom agenda and human dignity.

And so, all in all, we had a very constructive talk. I'm proud you're here.

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Thank you.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thanks for coming.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met President George W. Bush at the Oval office of the White House. 6/24/2008 Photo by Jerry Carual/PCPO

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Thank you, thank you. Mr. President, with your permission, I'd like to address our countrymen in my own native language.

(Speaks in Tagalog. Translation provided by the State Department.) Fellow countrymen, America is a strong ally in supporting our efforts to strengthen our economy and reinforce our democracy. The Philippines and the United States have a strong relationship, and we are here today to discuss important bilateral issues with President Bush, members of his administration, and congressional leaders. As President Bush mentioned, we will focus our discussions, now more than ever, on food shortages, defense cooperation, and economic aid. Together with our friends, such as America, let us join forces and move our country forward towards the company of first world developed nations over the next 20 years.

Long live the Philippines, and long live the friendship between the Philippines and the United States.

PRESIDENT BUSH: I couldn't have said it better myself. (Laughter.)

PRESIDENT ARROYO: Thank you.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, all.

END 10:30 A.M. EDT


[Text provided by the U.S. Office of the Press Secretary, June 24, 2008]

President George W. Bush welcomes President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines to the Oval Office Tuesday, June 24, 2008, at the White House. The President expressed deep condolences for those affected by Typhoon Fengshen saying, "We, the American people, care about the human suffering that's taking place, and we send our prayers." White House photo by Eric Draper.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met President George W. Bush at the Oval office of the White House. 6/24/2008 Photo by Jerry Carual/PCPO

PIA 2008/06/27

Roxas City (27 June) -- President George Bush has quickly responded to the request of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for assistance in the aftermath of the typhoon, particularly in the Island of Panay by dispatching the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to the Philippines, along with one cruiser, three destroyers and one frigate and other supporting vessels.

The vessels will assist in transporting cargo, aerial damage assessment, search and rescue, production and delivery of potable water, medical assistance and machinery repair.

The USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier in the service of the United States Navy, is the ninth ship in her class and is the Navy's newest aircraft carrier and has a displacement of about 97,000 metric tons. She is named in honor of former President Ronald Reagan.

President Arroyo proceeded to Washington, June 25 to meet with US President Bush as the major leg of her US state visit.

When she arrived in Washington, the President said President Bush also sent the USNS Stockholm, two helicopters, a P-3 marine surveillance aircraft and US Navy divers to help in the rescue and recovery effort, including victims of the sunken MV "Princess of the Stars" of Sulpicio Lines.

(June 24, 2008) President Bush is ordering more U.S. military assets to the Philippines in the wake of a powerful typhoon that slammed into the island nation last weekend. Bush: "The United States will move the USS Ronald Reagan, a large aircraft carrier, to help with the assistance, along with other U.S. Navy assets. We're happy to do it. We want to help our friends in a time of need. " (Pentagon Channel Report)

President Arroyo assured the Filipino community in Washington that she is completely engaged "on a minute to minute basis" in the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts in the Philippines in the wake of "Typhoon" Frank widespread damage in the Philippines.

She pointed out that she had been calling disaster coordinating council meetings almost daily, as she shrugged off calls for her to cut short her working visit to the United States and return home to oversee the rescue and relief efforts.

We have been coordinating disaster relief and aid from allies here in Washington and everywhere else," the President told the Filipino community.

She has mobilized the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) since then to visit and provide relief assistance to typhoon-stricken areas including Panay Island.

On June 26, Vice President Noli De Castro led the core team composed of Social Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Health Secretary Franciscon Duque III to deliver emergency cash assistance, family food and clothing packs, water, drugs and medicines and purifying solutions for typhoon victims in the provinces of Aklan, Antique and Capiz through their respective provincial governments. with them also was Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul N. Banias.

Capiz Senator Manuel A. Roxas was also able to convince the national government to prioritize his home-province and other Panay Island provinces in the delivery of relief assistance. Roxas accompanied the team in their province-hopping sorties.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes was also here a day earlier to assess the power situation in the island and to hand out a P5-million financial assistance to the Capiz Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAPELCO) to ensure the immediate restoration of power here.

The province was without power at the height of the typhoon until it was partially restored by CAPELCO late afternoon of June 22 courtesy of the 15-megawatt modular power plant that was established by the National Power Corporation (NPC) at the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) Sub-Station in Barangay Timpas in Panitan town, situated about 18 kilometers from this city.

080630-N-5961C-002 SULU SEA (June 30, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) steams off the coast of the Philippine Island of Panay preparing to launch helicopters assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 to deliver food and water to remote locations hardest hit by Typhoon Fengshen. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

CAPELCO General Manager Engr. Edgar Diaz told Vice President De Castro during a briefing at the Provincial Capitol, June 26 that power would be restored in the province over the weekend.

During the reception, Filipinos based in Washington chipped in more than P100, 000 as their "initial" contribution to the typhoon relief operations back home.

"We are doing everything possible to aid in the cleanup, provide disaster relief, and bring comfort to the families of the victims. We are holding the ferry company accountable, to ensure that we find out how this ferry tragedy could have occurred, so that we can take steps to make sure it never happens again," President Arroyo said.

She expressed her gratitude to President Bush for the US government's quick response to President Arroyo's request for help.

She thanked the Filipino kababayans for their remittances which have "immensely contributed to the growing Philippine economy."

The USS Ronald Reagan is moving into Panay Island through Aklan and Antique waters in order to deliver what President Bush has committed as the US government's immediate response to President Arroyo's request for help in the aftermath of Typhoon "Frank." (PIA-JSC)

OPS 21 JUNE 2008

WASHINGTON – June 23 (via PLDT) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is arriving here Monday from Fresno, Calif. to begin a five-day working visit to the US capital for a series of meetings with top US officials and business leaders.

The highlight of her 10-day visit to California, Washington and New York is her one-one-one meeting with President George W. Bush.

Accompanied by First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo and a small group of Cabinet officials and Filipino business leaders, the President arrived in San Francisco, Calif. from Manila on a commercial flight Saturday (Manila time).

The President has lined up a series of engagements, including meetings with Filipino communities in the three cities in her itinerary, Filipino World War II veterans and US business groups.

The Chief Executive will also discuss with US officials various issues, notably US-Philippines relations, the environment, security, human rights, and other global concerns.

Her meeting with President Bush will focus on outstanding global issues of common concern to the two countries, notably terrorism, food security, non-proliferation of nuclear arms and human rights.

She is expected to thank Bush for his support to Filipino World War II veterans through the US Veterans Office in Manila and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Filipino veterans are also looking forward to a favorable resolution of the remaining issues relating to their longstanding claim for benefits in World War II alongside the American forces in the Philippines.

Voting 96-1, the US Senate had approved the Veterans Benefits Bill calling for additional benefits to Filipino WWII veterans.

The President will also meet with US Defense Secretary Robert Gates for wide-ranging discussion of the US-Philippines security relations and the Philippine defense reform program.

Another important engagement on the President’s calendar is her meeting with officials of the Washington-based Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

The MCC has granted the Philippines Compact Eligible status after the country passed objective indicators in the areas of governing justly, investing in its citizens, and encouraging economic freedom.

She will also meet with stakeholders of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) a multi-nation effort to push the CTI project spanning across Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

The CTI holds the richest concentration of iridescent corals, fish, crustaceans, mollusks and marine plants in the world.

080701-N-5961C-004 SULU SEA (July 1, 2008) An SH-60F Seahawk flies off in the distance as crewmen and maintenance crews assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 prepare a second helicopter for launch from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during humanitarian operations on Panay Island, Philippines. The region was hard-hit by Typhoon Fengshen and the "Black Knights" have been flying seven straight days delivering supplies to remote locations on the island. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call.

Story Number: NNS080625-14
Release Date: 6/25/2008 9:38:00 PM
By Lt. Ron Flanders, Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

ILOILO, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships arrived on station near the central Philippine island of Panay June 25 to join the humanitarian assistance mission being led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the wake of damage caused by Typhoon Fengshen.

Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, commander of the Navy ships, arrived on shore to meet with Lt. Gen. Ike Inserto, commander of AFP's Central Command, and other senior Philippine officers running the humanitarian assistance operation. Inserto and his senior commanders assessed the capabilities of the carrier and requested that the U.S. ships provide helicopter support to assist in delivering supplies to remote areas devastated by the typhoon.

A Philippine Air Force C-130 cargo plane arrived at Iloilo's Cabatuan airport loaded with food supplies. Two C-2A Greyhound carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft, two HH-60H Seahawk helicopters and one SH-60F Seahawk helicopter flying from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) delivered more than 12,000 bottles of fresh water and more than 7,500 lbs. of rice to the airport.

Helicopters from the Navy ships are standing by to deliver these supplies to outlying areas in Panay as directed by the AFP.

080701-N-0640K-182 PANAY ISLAND, Philippines (July 1, 2008) Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Jeremy Thomas, a native of Warren, Ohio assigned to the "Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4, is greeted Tuesday, July 1, 2008 by citizens of Balasan, Philippines during a mission to deliver relief supplies. The "Black Knights" are embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and are delivering relief supplies in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer S. Kimball

"We are here to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines," said Wisecup. "We feel a deep sense of regret for everyone who was affected by this tragedy, and we stand ready to support the AFP with anything we can do to help their efforts."

The ships on station in the Sulu Sea include the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14; the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62); and three ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7; the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). Also providing assistance to the AFP in their efforts are the maritime prepositioning ship USNS Gunnery Sgt. Frank Stockham (T-AK 3017) and the rescue and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50), which have been assisting in the recovery operations of the sunken ferry Princess of the Stars.

Onboard the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, dozens of Sailors rapidly assembled into working parties and loaded the aircraft with water and rice once the AFP requested more supplies.

"Our Sailors are very eager to participate in this mission," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "We're here to help our friends in time of need."

PHILIPPINES (June 26,2008) - An SH-60 Seahawk helicopter launched from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrives in the Republic of the Philippines to deliver supplies. Philippine military members and U.S. Navy Sailors load the helicopter with supplies for delivery. Later,a C-2 Greyhound arrives in the Republic of the Philippines to deliver supplies. Then Commander Carrier Strike Group 7,Rear Admiral Phil Wisecup arrives in the Republic of the Philippines and meets with Philippine military members. Ronald Reagan sent 12,000 bottles of water and 7,500 pounds of Rice to the Philippines supporting disaster relief efforts. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is supporting the government of the Republic of the Philippines to help provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the victims of Typhoon Fengshen (locally designated Typhoon Frank).
Video & caption provided by the Navy Visual News Service

080701-N-5961C-011 BALASAN, Philippines (July 1, 2008) Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Anthony Chavez, a native of San Bernardino, Calif., works with a soldier from the Armed forces of the Philippines to move relief supplies to a school on the Panay Island. Chavez is a member of the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 and has been flying humanitarian missions into the island in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Chavez is and is deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

USAID June 23, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $100,000 for the purchase of emergency relief supplies, including blankets, mosquito nets, and water containers, to families affected by the typhoon in the Philippines.

On June 20, 2008, Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) passed over the Philippines, with heavy rains and sustained winds of nearly 100 miles per hour (mph) and gusts as high as 108 mph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. The Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported that the storm affected more than 470,000 people across 20 provinces, including 320,000 people in the most affected provinces of Iliolo and Capiz in the Western Visayas Region.

According to NDCC, Typhoon Frank has killed 94 people, injured 67 others, destroyed or damaged more than 150,000 homes, flooded approximately 555,987 acres of farmland, and damaged 18.5 tons of agricultural produce. High winds and heavy surf from Typhoon Frank also capsized a ferry boat with 750 people on board. NDCC reported 32 survivors and 4 confirmed deaths from the accident, with the remaining passengers and crew members missing.

USAID is continuing to monitor the situation and stands prepared to provide additional assistance if needed.

080701-N-5961C-014 ILOILO, Philippines (July 1, 2008) Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Slavek Glownia sits among relief supplies in the aft section of an SH-60F Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 during a humanitarian mission on the Philippine island of Panay. HS-4 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

U.S. Embassy Manila
June 23, 2008

The United States extends its sympathy to all who have been affected by Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) and its aftermath in the Republic of the Philippines. We deeply regret the loss of life both on land and from the sinking of the ferry, Princess of the Stars.

The U.S. government has offered assistance to the Philippine authorities in carrying out rescue and recovery operations. The U.S Pacific Command has directed the USNS Stockham, with search and rescue helicopters aboard, to proceed to Sibuyan Island to be available to assist with rescue and recovery efforts for the passengers and crew of the Princess of the Stars. We anticipate that the helicopters will be in position to begin operations later today. Additionally, the U.S. Pacific Command has directed a U.S. Navy P-3 maritime surveillance aircraft to proceed to Clark International Airport to join in this effort. It should arrive later today and will be prepared to participate shortly after that.

In addition, the office of Foreign Disaster Assistance of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will be providing PhP 4 Million ($100,000.00) worth of essential relief goods through the Philippine National Red Cross, for immediate distribution in the most severely affected areas. The United States stands ready to provide any help that we can in the wake of this tragedy.

080701-N-0640K-154 BALASAN, Philippines (July 1, 2008) Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Jeremy Thomas, a native of Warren, Ohio, carries supplies to local citizens of Balasan, Philippines. Thomas is a helicopter crewman with the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and has been flying missions to the island delivering food and water in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. The region was hard-hit by Typhoon Fengshen and the "Black Knights" have been flying seven straight days delivering much needed supplies to remote locations on the island. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer S. Kimball

U.S. Embassy Manila
June 27, 2008

Since its June 25 arrival in the Sulu Sea, the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier group has supported Philippine disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Frank (Fengshen). In direct coordination with Philippine and provincial government officials, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Philippine National Red Cross, U.S. military personnel are supporting immediate rescue, recovery, and disaster relief efforts being carried out by Philippine authorities.

Said U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, “As President Bush said, friends help friends in a time of need and because of the strength of our friendship and partnership, U.S. and Philippine officials on the ground in Iloilo City were able to quickly mobilize a joint disaster relief effort.”

Seven U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopters from USS Ronald Reagan, USS Howard and USS Thach have been working around the clock in partnership with the AFP, the NDCC and provincial government leaders to transport and deliver potable water and food supplies to the hardest hit areas in the Visayan region including the provinces of Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique on Panay Island and the North and South Gigante Islands. Over 28,000 bottles of water, 10,000 pounds of rice, and many other non-perishable food items have been delivered with operations continuing in the coming days. Also, U.S. military engineering teams are working with their Philippine counterparts to restore electrical power in particular at major hospitals in the Iloilo region.

080629-N-4046L-003 PANAY ISLAND, Philippines (June 29, 2008) U.S. Navy aircrewmen assigned to the "Scorpions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 embarked aboard the San Diego-based guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 46) deliver relief supplies Sunday, June 29, 2008 to victims of Typhoon Fengshen on Panay Island in the Philippines. Thach is assigned to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group which is working at the request of the Philippine government to help provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to victims of Typhoon Fengshen. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Scott Lippincott

In addition to the PhP 4 million ($100,000) worth of essential relief goods donated through the Philippine National Red Cross, the office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (ofDA) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is sending a chartered aircraft to arrive June 29 with relief supplies, worth PhP 28.6 million ($650,000), sufficient for 20,000 beneficiaries.

080629-N-5961C-013 PACIFIC (June 29, 2008) A HH-60H Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 lifts another pallet of bottled water from the deck of Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) for delivery to Kalibo, Republic of the Philippines. Kalibo is on the northern tip of Panay Island and was hit hard by the typhoon. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and elements of her Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

By Edward Baxter, Aug. 2008
SEALOGFE Public Affairs

Military Sealift Command Maritime Prepositioning Ship USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham, fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe and combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls assisted in relief efforts after Typhoon Fengshen wreaked havoc in the central Philippines in late June. The typhoon, which packed winds of almost 90 miles per hour, caused heavy seas, mass flooding and mudslides.

At the request of the Philippine government, President George W. Bush ordered U.S. Navy ships to render quick response to assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in relief efforts.

Niagara Falls, which was docked at Subic Bay, Philippines, when the typhoon struck, went into action.

"When we received orders to assist in the disaster, we had one day to order, receive and onload 168,000 bottles of water," said Navy Ensign Stephanie Titus, the ship's material control officer.

Once loaded, Niagara Falls was one of the first on scene to assist, sending water ashore to Kalibo on the northwest corner of Panay Island, one of the hardest hit areas in the Philippines.

"The ability of the crew to react so quickly and work as a team was essential to rapidly get critical materials to support the cause," said Niagara Falls' civil service master Capt. Dan LaPorte.

080629-N-5961C-008 PACIFIC (June 29, 2008) Super PUMA helicopters fly much needed bottled water to Kalibo, Republic of the Philippines from the deck of the Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and elements of her Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

On July 1, helicopters from the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan picked up 3,600 water bottles from Tippecanoe — which is more commonly used to refuel ships at sea — and delivered the water to Roxas City and Kalibo airports on the island of Northern Panay.

Typhoon Fengshen caused more than casualties ashore. A commercial passenger ferry, MV Princess of the Stars, capsized June 21 with more than 700 passengers aboard when huge waves from the storm overtook the ship as it was sailing from Manila to a resort island in another part of the Philippines.

At the direction of U.S. Pacific Command, Stockham assisted.

Capt. Perry Seyler, civilian master, positioned Stockham about three miles from the partially submerged Princess of the Stars, which tilted and went belly up after running aground off Sibuyan Island. After the weather calmed June 23, Stockham's crew launched rigid-hull, inflatable boats to look for any survivors. The crew also delivered nine Navy divers to the scene, where they worked alongside Filipino coast guard divers to conduct an initial assessment of the wreckage.

Stockham's embarked helicopters flew 34 total hours looking for survivors over 17,000 square miles of ocean. Some survivors were found in the water, and some were seen stranded on a remote island. The helicopter crews relayed coordinates to the Filipino coast guard to assist the victims. Stockham's helicopter transported one victim from Burias Island to Romblon Island for medical treatment.

080629-N-5961C-007 PACIFIC (June 29, 2008) Super PUMA helicopters fly much needed bottled water to Kalibo, Republic of the Philippines from the deck of the Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and elements of her Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

In addition to helping with the search for survivors of the ferry capsizing, Stockham's helicopters flew 36 hours supporting the Reagan Strike Group's relief efforts on Panay Island — delivering 17,350 pounds of rice and other supplies ashore.

"We're glad to be here assisting any way we can," said Navy Capt. Brad Smith, the officer in charge of Stockham's military detachment.

As a result of the relief efforts, which concluded on July 3, MSC ships and the Reagan Strike Group delivered more than 519,000 pounds of supplies ashore.

The assistance provided by the strike group and MSC's three ships was met with great enthusiasm by the people of the Philippines.

"We simply cannot put into words how grateful we are for your operational assistance," said Gen. Alexander Yano, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff.

"You joined us and made it all look very easy," said Navy Rear Adm. James Wisecup, commander of Carrier Strike Group 7 in a personal message to the masters and crews of all three MSC ships. "You have eased the suffering of thousands."

080629-N-4133B-024 PACIFIC (June 29, 2008) U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, Kristie Kenney is welcomed by rainbow sideboys, following her first arrested landing aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ambassador Kenney flew aboard along with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Alexander B. Yano and Republic of the Philippines Senator Dick Gordon to discuss relief efforts. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, Reagan is off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. USS Ronald Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Brossard

Story Number: NNS080630-02
Release Date: 6/30/2008 10:46:00 AM
From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN (NNS) -- The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines visited the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) on June 29.

Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, came aboard to receive a briefing on the continuing effort to assist victims of Typhoon Fengshen, and to thank Sailors for their support of AFP-led humanitarian efforts on the island of Panay.

"One of the things that makes us a great nation is the ability to deliver compassionate service," Kenney said. "The Sailors of the Ronald Reagan and the entire carrier group are doing a great job. It makes me very proud," she added.

Kenney and Yano visited Ronald Reagan's Crisis Action Team coordination center, where they listened to briefings about the planning and coordination of the humanitarian mission. Among the crew members they personally thanked were helicopter pilots, aircrewmen and supply personnel.

Kenney also thanked Chief Warrant officer 3 Zosimo Francisco, who led a four-man team of Ronald Reagan engineers into Iloilo City to repair hospital generators damaged by the floods. After bringing a mud-damaged fuel pump aboard the ship for repair, the team returned to Iloilo City's Barotac Viejo Hospital and restored electrical power.

The hospital had been without power for days since flood waters struck.

080629-N-7730P-016 PACIFIC (June 29, 2008) Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, General Alexander B. Yano of the Philippines Army presented with a collection of photos depicting relief efforts by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and other ships in her group, in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. General Yano arrived aboard with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie A. Kenney, to thank the members of Ronald Reagan for their support. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, Reagan is off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gary Prill

"I'm proud of what we did for the people of Iloilo," Francisco said. "It's very gratifying. We saw firsthand the effects of the typhoon, the devastation. We met people who were suffering greatly, but they still managed to wave and smile."

Since arriving on station June 25, fixed-wing cargo aircraft and helicopters from the Ronald Reagan carrier group have flown 244 sorties in support of the AFP, delivering relief supplies to areas most affected by the typhoon.

Ronald Reagan provided more than 28,000 bottles of water, 9,060 pounds of rice, other non-perishable food items, and medical supplies. with potable water in very high demand in the area, the stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) arrived June 29 off the northern coast of Panay loaded with fresh water for delivery. The ship's embarked Puma helicopter detachment, with the assistance of an HH-60H Seahawk from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4, delivered 168,000 bottles of water to the city of Kalibo in just four hours.

"The Filipino people appreciate what the United States has done during these trying times," said Yano. "It only goes to show the longstanding friendship and camaraderie between our armed forces. We appreciate very much what the United States is doing."

080627-N-5961C-006 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 27, 2008) A helicopter assigned to the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 returns to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) after a day of delivering food to the Philippines. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) is off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Ronald Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

Story Number: NNS080703-03
Release Date: 7/3/2008 3:36:00 PM
By Lt. Ron Flanders, USS Ronald Reagan
Public Affairs Carrier Group 7 Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed the Sulu Sea and the waters around the Philippine island of Panay, July 3, after assisting the Philippine government's humanitarian relief operation.

Prior to the group's departure, senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) thanked the more than 40 members of the strike group's humanitarian assistance support team in a special ceremony.

"We simply cannot put into words how grateful we are for your operational assistance," said Gen. Alexander Yano, AFP chief of staff.

"Together, we had a smooth coordination and maximization of our efforts to achieve our objectives of delivering help to typhoon-affected areas. This expeditious support testifies to the longstanding camaraderie between our armed forces."

At the request of the Philippine government, President George W. Bush ordered the Navy ships to render quick response to assist the AFP in relief efforts to Panay. Staging from the group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the embarked aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 provided a heavy lift capability that was vital to transporting food, potable water and medical supplies from Iloilo airport to sites all around the island.

080702-N-3659B-231 ILOILO, Philippines (July 2, 2008) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Brig. Gen. Jorge V. Segovia presents Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup, commander of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, with the AFP Disaster Response and Recovery ribbon for the carrier group's role in the combined recovery efforts between the U.S. Navy and the AFP in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac

Flying the humanitarian missions were C-2A Greyhound cargo aircraft from Fleet Logistics Squadron 30; HH-60H and SH-60F Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4, embarked aboard Ronald Reagan; SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43); and HSL-37 embarked aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101).

Aircrews flew 332 sorties around Panay and delivered more than 519,000 pounds of much-needed supplies to typhoon victims. The four ships with Reagan positioned themselves around the island and served as fueling stations to keep the relief effort moving.

"This was a mission that was tremendously rewarding for our Sailors," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup. "The aircrews flew 20-35 missions per day, sunup to sundown. Our aircraft maintainers worked through the night. Every Sailor in the strike group had a hand in this.

"More importantly, we worked alongside our counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and brought real help to their people."

080706-N-5961C-002 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 6, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and Carrier Air Wing 14 (CVW 14) begin their transit into Agana Harbor for a port call on Guam after working off the coast of the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

CVW-14 aircrews saw firsthand the devastation of the typhoon. Hundreds drowned in Panay, and thousands were left without clean water or food. The U.S. Navy and AFP personnel formed a quick-action team to get immediate aid to the most affected typhoon victims.

"Seeing the faces of the children when we landed was priceless," said Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (NAC/AW) Andrew Smith, an HS-4 crew chief who flew for a week straight, delivering rice and water.

"When we got out to deliver the supplies, they were so happy; they just wanted to touch us. It is something I will always remember."

In addition to the airlifts, Ronald Reagan engineers ventured out into Iloilo and fixed generators that were completely submerged in water and mud, restoring electrical power to two local hospitals. Senior doctors from Reagan's health services department coordinated with AFP personnel and provincial government officials.

"The entire ship is feeling very good about what we did," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "We were just happy to help."

080629-N-5961C-009 PACIFIC (June 29, 2008) A HH-60H Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4 lifts another pallet of bottled water from the deck of Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) for delivery to Kalibo, Republic of the Philippines. Kalibo is on the northern tip of Panay Island and was hit hard by the typhoon. At the request of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and elements of her Carrier Strike Group (CSG) are off the coast of Panay Island providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen. Reagan and other U.S. Navy ships are operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility to promote peace, cooperation and stability. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call

By Laura M. Seal, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The masters and crews of three Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships were honored Nov. 7 at the annual United Seamen's Service Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards banquet in New York City.

This prestigious event, attended by more than 730 maritime leaders, honored mariners aboard U.S. government-owned and other U.S. flagged ships who displayed outstanding seamanship, courage and devotion to duty at sea.

Representatives from hospital ships USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy and Maritime Prepositioning Ship USNS Gunnery Sgt. Fred W. Stockham received AOTOS Mariner's Plaques in recognition of humanitarian assistance and life-saving efforts.

The masters and crews of hospital ships USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy received special Humanitarian Service Recognition Mariner's Plaques for their respective four-month humanitarian deployments to Latin America and the Caribbean in 2007 and Southeast Asia and the Pacific in 2008. The extraordinary support provided by each ship's 68 civil service mariners enabled deployed medical personnel to treat a combined total of more than 188,000 patients in 17 countries.

Mercy's and Comfort's civil service mariners made these historic missions possible by safely navigating the 894-foot ships in challenging coastal waters and undeveloped ports, transporting thousands of patients and mission personnel between ship and shore in small boats and providing a reliable supply of electricity and fresh water to the ships' hospitals.

Reflecting the uniqueness of the deployments, the United Seamen's Service created the new humanitarian awards this year specifically to honor Mercy and Comfort – a first in the awards ceremony's 39-year history.

Comfort's civil service master Capt. Edward Nanartowich and Mercy's civil service master Capt. Robert Wiley – accompanied by Joseph Watts, Mercy's chief engineer – each accepted the plaques on behalf of their crews. Comfort's chief engineer for the deployment, Douglas B. Puritis, was at sea and unable to attend the ceremony.

"This award honors the entire crew," said Nanartowich. "They saw the potential of what they could give and went beyond it."

The ship's master and crew of USNS Stockham received a Mariner's Plaque for Typhoon Fengshen rescue efforts conducted by the ship's master and crew off of Sibuyan Island and Panay Island in the Philippines June 23-July 3. Stockham's helicopters and Navy divers aided the Philippine Coast Guard in a 34-hour, 17,000-square mile search that resulted in saving 43 people from an 849-passenger ferry capsized by the huge waves.

Stockham's civilian master Capt. Perry Seyler was present at the ceremony to accept the award.

"Seafarers are often considered the fourth arm of defense, but they do not often get the recognition," said United Seamen's Service executive director, Roger Korner. "So when seafarers get an AOTOS award, they are so proud. It allows them to emerge to the forefront."

Former Maryland congresswoman Helen Bentley presented four of this year's six awards. MSC Commander Rear Adm. Robert D. Reilly Jr. presented the two humanitarian awards to Comfort and Mercy.

The United Seamen's Service promotes the welfare of American seafarers and their dependents, seafarers of all nations, U.S. government military and civilian personnel and other persons engaged in the maritime industry.

Military Sealift Command operates approximately 110 noncombatant, merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

Official file photo of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bill Larned, Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN (NNS) -- The six ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group concluded military operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) Nov. 14.

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 is comprised of the flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14; the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62); guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101); and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). The more than 6,000 Sailors assigned to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group departed its homeport of San Diego May 19.

"The talented and dedicated Sailors of this strike group performed at the highest levels of excellence," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander of CSG-7. "I'm tremendously honored to sail with them all.

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group's deployment was a busy one, to say the least. While in the 7th Fleet AOR, Sailors and air crews from all six ships responded to the aftermath of Typhoon Fengshen in the Philippines.

U.S. Navy and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel coordinated efforts, forming an emergency response team to distribute immediate aid to stricken typhoon victims. Engineers from Ronald Reagan repaired two hospital generators, restoring electrical power. Air crews flew 332 sorties around Panay Island, delivering more than 519,000 pounds of vital supplies to typhoon victims.

The strike group also participated in training exercise with key maritime partners. USS Howard participated in South East Asia Cooperation against Terrorism (SEACAT), training with the navies of Brunei, Singapore and the Republic of the Philippines in maritime security operations. Later, the strike group took part in Exercise Malabar 2008, a bilateral training exercise with the Indian Navy, improving the communications and coordination capabilities of the two navies as a dozen U.S. and Indian ships drilled in surface, air and subsurface training.

Another key mission area for the Ronald Reagan Strike Group was engagement. While in 7th fleet, CSG-7 ships made port calls to Sasebo, Japan; Hong Kong; Busan, Republic of Korea; Guam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand and Singapore. During the port visits, Sailors enjoyed tours, purchased souvenirs, tasted Asian cuisine and volunteered their time in various orphanages, schools and elderly care centers.

"Ronald Reagan Sailors were models of ambassadorship at each and every stop we made. Our Sailors consider these port visits 'duty ashore' and performed these duties in an exemplary fashion, showing our friends around Asia the best America has to offer," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer.

Now in the U.S. 3rd Fleet Area of Responsibility, the ships of CSG-7 are scheduled to return to their homeport of San Diego later this month.