Sailors from amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) provided assistance to a small, disabled vessel while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23.

Arlington observed the vessel waving red and white flags indicating distress, while conducting normal operations, and immediately began procedures to provide assistance.

"Our lookout spotted the disabled vessel and immediately reported the distress signal from the vessel's crew members," said Commanding Officer Capt. Sean Bailey. "Arlington was able to quickly close our distance and provide help."

A rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from Arlington was immediately sent to assess the situation and discovered that a broken piston was the cause of the vessel's engine damage. Arlington did not have the repair parts needed to conduct repairs, so instead provided the vessel with food and water, and remained on station until coalition allies could arrive to provide further assistance.

Arlington is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

For more news from USS Arlington, visit http://www.navy.mil/.