Amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) left the coast of Haiti Oct. 13 after providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support for the island as part of Joint Task Force (JTF) Matthew.

Mesa Verde's role in the JTF was to support the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which led the disaster relief efforts following the destruction brought by Hurricane Matthew.

"Mesa Verde has coordinated and conducted cargo movement of humanitarian aid supplies, as well as provided logistical support by identifying areas that may be suitable for use in the disaster relief efforts, or that may need to receive assistance," said Lt. Cmdr. Timothy White, Mesa Verde's air officer. "We have delivered food, water, and shelter materials to major distribution hubs, in addition to providing hygiene products and cholera kits."

Mesa Verde provided the platform for three CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU), to airlift 31,000 pounds of humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies.

"Mesa Verde's capabilities as a logistical hub have allowed us to more effectively use the assets that make up Joint Task Force Matthew," said White. "Mesa Verde is setting the stage for the rest of Joint Task Force Matthew to better help Haiti."

Mesa Verde functioned as a sea base for the 24 MEU, Amphibious Construction Battalion Mobile Unit 202, and other partners of Joint Task Force Matthew during the disaster relief efforts.

"This ship functioning as a sea base for the staff and embarked elements was incredible," said Capt. Randall Peck, Mesa Verde's commanding officer. "The staff did a tremendous amount of work to be a part of this over-arching relief effort. We fulfilled our mission as a sea base for the staff, marines, and emergency medical care personnel."

Mesa Verde was replaced by amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and is transiting back to national waters to continue training for an upcoming overseas deployment.

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