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Underwood's Team Saves Local Fishermen
Story Number: NNS030603-25
Release Date: 6/3/2003 2:03:00 PM
By Ensign Joseph Marra, USS Underwood Public Affairs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Teamwork. It's the cornerstone of every Navy evolution.
For two Jacksonville fishermen, it saved their lives.
Crew members of USS Underwood (FFG 36) worked as a team May 21, rescuing Frederick Roe and James Poling. While fishing outside the jetty entrance to the St. John's River, their Jon boat started sinking and eventually became awash.
At the time, Underwood was returning to the basin at Naval Station Mayport after two days underway for training. Sailors Signalman 3rd Class Santos Morin, Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) Duane Richardson and Lt. j.g. Arthur Kelley, on watch at the time, spotted
the duo.
"I'm glad a I got the chance to do the right thing," said Morin, who first spotted the sinking vessel. "I know any lookout would have done the same."
After eyeing the fisherman, the crew on Underwood's bridge maneuvered the frigate into place to rescue them. One of the ship's most junior officers stood the watch on that fateful night.
"It was challenging getting the ship in a position to recover the men, since we were nearing the entrance to the channel," said Lt. j.g. Curtis Sparling, who joined the Underwood crew in November 2001.
"Considering the heavy surface traffic and numerous anchored vessels, the watch team performed exceptionally well," said Sparling.
Underwood dispatched its small boat, led by coxswain Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Jose Lopez, and ferried Roe and Poling back to the ship. Once aboard, the crew's doc, Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW/FMF) Patrick Weins, offered medical assistance.
"We are so grateful to the officers and crew of Underwood," Roe said. "We had been out there for almost two hours but were unable to attract the attention of any other vessels."
The rescue team included the US. Coast Guard; one of their tugboats recovered the Jon boat.
"I can't thank Underwood's crew enough," said Poling, a Sailor stationed at Harbor Operations, Naval Station Mayport.
For the latest news from the fleet, visit Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.
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