Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) rendered assistance to a disabled small fishing vessel off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, Dec. 9.

The two-person crew from the vessel contacted the Bataan through bridge-to-bridge communications at approximately 8:20 a.m. to request assistance after experiencing issues with their electrical system.

Bataan was able to respond within approximately 20 minutes by maneuvering alongside the boat, throwing mooring lines to the small boat, and tying them to the starboard side of the ship.

The Bataan crew tried several methods to fix the vessel's electrical issues, but could not get it to start.

"We tried to give him a jump start, but didn't have enough amps to get [the boat's] diesel to turn over," said Bataan Chief Engineer Cmdr. David Ritter.

Bataan Executive Officer Cmdr. Sylvester Steele said the response is all a part the U.S. Navy's mission when out to sea.

"After being on Bataan only a week, it was fantastic to see the collaboration between the Navy and Marines and the capabilities we can provide while doing multiple missions at once," said Steele.

The fishing vessel was detached from Bataan and Military Sealift Command fleet ocean tug USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) has been tasked to remain in the area to monitor and assure the vessel gets further assistance from the United States Coast Guard.

"It's a Navy ship's obligation to respond and assist mariners distressed at sea," said Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Pfister. "We share that common bond when we're on the water. Even though we couldn't provide them with the equipment they needed, I'm just glad that were in the area to receive the call."

The Bataan is underway with the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group for ARG/Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise.

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