FIAF Norfolk Sailor Answers the Call in a Moment's Notice

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Fleet Intelligence Adaptive Force (FIAF), Norfolk assisted in relief efforts following Hurricane Sandy that hit New York area in November.

With less than three hours notice, Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Tori White, an imagery analyst, wrapped up her collateral duties, packed her seabag, found a dog-sitter and reported to USS San Antonio (LPD 17) for transport to USS Wasp (LHD 1), already on station off New York's coastline.

USS Wasp was the command and control ship working with the U.S. Coast Guard coordinating restoration efforts after Hurricane Sandy slammed the northeast, leaving a wake of devastation.

"It wasn't hard to find a dog-sitter; it was hard trying to find someone at home that time of day," said White. "'Hey, can you watch my dog for an undetermined amount of time?' It's a good thing I have good friends."

As Sailors, Marines and equipment were ferried ashore to perform debris clearing and dewatering tasks of public housing, Rockaway Beach and the Hoboken Ferry Terminal, White stood the watch tracking mission essential stats, responsible for three operational databases for the Joint Maritime Component Commander leading the military side of the relief efforts.

The spreadsheet with which White tracked data was critical for the Navy to identify support provided to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "I worked for the BWCs (battle watch captains) tracking air and surface crafts from both Wasp and San Antonio," said White. "We kept track of flight hours, routes and the personnel and cargo going ashore for both helos and LCUs (landing craft utility)."

White became aware of the importance of her duties when a Marine captain told her, "You are the most important person in Flag Plot right now because of that spreadsheet." White remembers thinking, "And you trusted an E5 to do this....that's cool."

For her diligence and professionalism, White was awarded a spot Navy Achievement Medal, presented to her by the Commander, Amphibious Squadron 6, Capt. Timothy Spratto.

White has deployed before, but this was her first relief mission. "It was rewarding to know that we were out there helping people, especially when it was so cold," said White. "While we were out there we were also hit with a nor'easter, so we knew how difficult those people had it. To see Sailors and Marines working together to help civilians was pretty cool and to be able to help out our fellow Americans was very rewarding."

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