The human body holds between nine to 12 pints of blood. Approximately 60 pints were donated to save the lives of two personnel in the middle of the night aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) due to an activation of the ship’s Walking Blood Bank.

Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Isaak, now the Reactor Training Assistant aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), was ship’s company aboard Bataan during this event and recalls the lines of Sailors and Marines that gathered in the dead of night to make this contribution and what that meant to him.

Isaak did not have the required blood type, but that didn’t stop him from answering the call.

“I went down to see what it was like and… the line,” said Isaak, taking a moment to reflect on that night. “For something to be called away in the middle of the night, the response was amazing. The amount of young men and women who showed up really demonstrated that they are truly invested in the lives of others.”

Ike also has a Walking Blood Bank on board to prepare for any potential casualties like experienced on Bataan, which is open to all ship’s company who meet the health standards for blood donation.

“The blood bank is completely voluntary,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Manual Perez, a member of Ike’s dental department. “Anyone who is attached to the ship can apply. It’s a selfless act. It really shows that people care about the person next to them, even if they’re a complete stranger.”

The Walking Blood Bank is a contingency plan to account for the lack of storage options onboard, but also allows Sailors in need to receive fresh whole blood directly from the source.

“As an aircraft carrier, we don’t have the ability to store blood products,” said Lt. Kevin T. Petersen, Ike’s Surgeon and Walking Blood Bank Director. “We have to rely on our crew to donate at the time of a casualty.”

Aircraft carriers can be a hazardous place to work, which is why it’s necessary to implement a contingency plan for blood transfusions.

“Flight operations is probably one of the most dangerous occupations and we do it for hours on end daily,” said Isaak. “Being a part of the Walking Blood Bank while there is a high-risk evolution going daily is incredible. It’s greatly appreciated.”

While there are many safety precautions in place to keep Sailors out of harm’s way, there’s always a chance for disaster and it’s up to Ike’s crew to respond.

“If the need ever arises where a large amount of blood is needed for a medical casualty, we are there to provide it,” said Perez. “We are the difference between life and death for a patient on the bed. Give blood, save a life.”

For Sailors interested in participating in the Walking Blood Bank, Petersen said to contact himself, Lt. Alexander Kim or Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Judd Aquino. Sailors must fill out a one page form and can do so during a ship-wide blood drive or anytime scheduled on Ike’s Green Sheet.

Isaak urged Ike Sailors to be a part of the Walking Blood Bank.

“I get emotional thinking about see the lines of Sailors and Marines ready to give blood,” said Isaak. “The personnel survived because of those volunteers. It was one of the most motivating things I have ever experienced and truly a high point in my career. It is so important to be involved and you have the opportunity to be a part of something like that.”

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