USS Russell (DDG 59) responded to a vessel in distress between Bossasso, Somalia and the Yemeni coast in the Gulf of Aden June 8.

A Combined Task Force 150 air asset notified Russell of the small boat’s distress call. Russell, operating nearby, proceeded at maximum speed and arrived on-scene to assist the vessel.

The 45-foot small boat experienced serious engine problems leaving it unable to operate at sea and had been adrift for two days.

There were approximately 70 personnel on board the vessel, some of whom were in need of immediate medical attention. Seven personnel were transferred to Russell and treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. The vessel was also re-provisioned for the night and Russell is towing it towards Somalia where the small boat and patients will be turned over to Somali authorities.

Coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as search and rescue.

Russell, deployed as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, is operating as part of CTF 150. CTF150 conducts Maritime Security Operations between the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman in the Arabian Sea. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

DVIDS

DVIDS

Afghan national security forces and coalition forces responded to reports of kidnappings, beatings, vandalism and theft by Taliban in Arghandab District, Zabul province, Feb. 23.

The combined forces traveled to the villages of Wosa and Takhunak to investigate and found one elderly man in the village of Wosa. He claimed the Taliban insurgents abducted the other six Afghan men who lived in the village.

In Takhunak, the village elder told ANSF and coalition forces that the armed men moved into the valley (Chalakor) and coerced the villagers by beating children and elderly men, according to a coalition soldier who was present for the questioning.

ANSF and coalition forces distributed humanitarian aid and medical assistance to the two villages immediately following the incident and treated a number of the more seriously injured Afghans at the coalition clinic.

Lt. Cmdr. Kelley A. Newman, physicians assistant with the Provincial Reconstruction Team puts one of her younger patients at ease with some stuffed animal humor.

DVIDS

Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, provided medical and humanitarian assistance for villagers from Now Zad and Qaleh-ye-Gaz in Abazah, Musa Qaleh, Helmand Province, Feb. 13.

“Allah has answered my prayers for the medicine you have brought,” said a villager.

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A Coalition soldier explains instructions for medications to a young Afghan girl. More than 250 men, women and children received medical checkups when Afghan National Army soldiers from the 205th Kandak and Coalition forces visted the village of Baghak in Khakrez District Kandahar Province Feb. 13.

CJTF-82

Residents of a small, rural agricultural village in the Khakrez District of Kandahar Province received a visit from Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces Feb. 13.
Soldiers provided much-needed medical assistance to residents of Baghak Village.
More than 250 villagers received medical check-ups during the visit. Most of the men, women and children sought treatment for typical cold and flu-like symptoms that are common during the long, frigid Afghan winter.

This year, Afghans have endured one of the harshest winters in recent memory. Record-breaking snowfall accumulations and prolonged freezing temperatures have made life extremely difficult for Afghan citizens living in remote sections of the country. The severe weather makes it difficult for families to travel to larger cities or district centers to restock supplies or seek medical care during the long winter months.

Hundreds of Afghan citizens and thousands of livestock animals have perished due to exposure throughout the country this winter.

In addition to medical check-ups, the soldiers gathered the children of the village to teach them about the importance of oral hygiene and dental care. Children listened intently to the medics and soldiers who taught the class, then they received toothbrushes and toothpaste.

“These visits are just one way the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan shows that it is concerned for the welfare of its citizens,” explained Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a Coalition spokesperson. “Meeting the needs of its citizens throughout the winter goes a long way towards ensuring security throughout the region.”

I was born with this condition, somewhat more severe. I nearly died before they figured out how to feed me, the Breck Feeder. Before the age of two I had three operations. I had another in high school and another in college. I speak with a lateral lisp and conceal a large scar under my facial hair.

What we have done for this child is a good thing.

CJTF-82

A three month old Afghan child suffering from a severe cleft lip and cleft palate was brought to an Aid Station ran by 2-503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Task Force Rock) to see if Americans could assist in birth defects. Doc Dean and Doc Swaims arranged for multiple surgical repairs at Craig Joint Theater Hospital by Doc Gregory Park US Air Force Plastic Surgeon. Task Force Rock has arranged to pay for all transportation, food, and subsidies during the surgical repairs at Bagram Airfield Craig Joint Theater Hospital.