USS Carl Vinson’s choppers rush supplies to Haitians

ABOARD THE USS CARL VINSON — Desperate to get supplies into Haiti, the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, off the coast of the quake-ravaged nation, pulled the bottled water and Gatorade from the vending machines and ship stores.

The water, along with medical supplies, was loaded onto helicopters and delivered into the country today.

By day’s end, the ship was out of goods to deliver.

Getting more supplies to the ship is the biggest challenge, said Rear Adm. Ted Branch.

“We have lift, we have communications, we have command and control, but we don’t have much relief supplies to offer,” Branch said.

The aircraft carrier in the bay of Port-au-Prince a few miles off the coast is the frontline of the American relief effort here.

About 15 helicopter flights launched from the carrier’s deck today, dropping goods into Haiti. Helicopters were also making trips back and forth to Guantanamo Bay to pick up people and supplies. They took hundreds of cases of water and Gatorade on the 10-mile hop to Port-au-Prince.

Branch said the choppers took supplies to six different sites today. But he said the overall coordination isn’t what it needs to be.

“Everyone is trying to help. Everyone is trying to do their part,” he said. “I think it’s fair to say the coordination hasn’t come as far as it needs to do make this as efficient as possible.”

The Navy has distributed all of its supplies at the Port-au-Prince airport. Other groups have supplies, but have faced difficulties moving them into Haiti because of the destruction.

“There are supplies there under the control of other agencies who want to deliver those supplies themselves and they are stymied by lack of transportation on the ground,” Branch said. “Unless we can get that coordination to work, to allow the most efficient distribution to happen, we’ll continue to have problems.”

More supplies were expected to be flown in from Guantanamo Bay on Saturday.

The carrier was off the coast of Norfolk, Va., when it got orders at around midnight Tuesday to head to the ravaged country. It had been at dry dock for the past four years getting a complete overhaul.

Traveling at about 32 knots, the nuclear-powered carrier slowed off the coast of Mayport, Fla., to pick up additional helicopters, and now has 19 on board.

The Vinson was the first American naval ship to arrive in Haiti.

Today, three other amphibious ships were ordered to head to the region. A cruiser and two frigates were ordered to stand by at their homeports.

The carrier, which normally has a crew of 2,800 and has added a further 700 for this mission, arrived in Haiti early this morning. Its landing strips served as the logistical hub of operations.

Today, the first flight, surveying potential drop points for relief supplies, left the carrier at around 6 a.m.

During the day, the ship doesn’t anchor, instead moving as the winds change so the helicopters can land. At about 3:30 p.m., Branch briefed reporters from the flight bridge.

Below, the last helicopters of the day were readied to leave. On the flight deck, rotors whirred as the choppers, an MH-53 and an SH-60, waited to make the last flights of the day. The helicopters are not flying after dark because there are no lights to mark power lines and towers.

A medevac helicopter also launched from the ship to help with the rescue of an American citizen found in the rubble of a hotel. At least one of his limbs had to be amputated and he was brought onboard to be treated.

To deliver supplies, the command must also figure out the best way to drop supplies. The big helicopters, such as the MH-53, kick up a lot of debris, and Branch said they might instead break the supplies into smaller loads.

The 82nd Airborne is on the ground helping provide security for supply drops. Today, Branch said the crowds were “pretty well behaved. We might have surprised them.”

But he cautioned: “No one knows what will happen in the coming days.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen gives his State of the City address on Thursday, March 20 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor talks budget at 2025 State of the City

Mayor Mike Rosen discussed the city’s deficit and highlights from his first year in office.

Marysville
Police: 66-year-old Marysville man dead from fatal stabbing

A neighbor found the man unconscious on the sidewalk as the result of an apparent stabbing. Police said they are looking for suspects.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Driver, suspected of DUI, hits WSP vehicle on I-5 near Everett

The trooper was blocking the HOV lane for a previous collision when his vehicle was struck Saturday morning.

Skimming devices reported in Everett at gas stations, ATMs

Police warn residents to check for tampering, monitor accounts for fraud.

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Sound Transit picks Dow Constantine as new CEO

Constantine has served as the King County Executive since 2009.

Everett mayor Cassie Franklin delivers her State of the City address on Friday, March 28 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Everett mayor focuses on public safety in keynote address

During Cassie Franklin’s State of the City speech, she announced new police programs and a youth violence prevention directive.

North County Fire commission appoints new fire chief

Before Dave Kraski was appointed, the commission changed the requirements needed to hold the fire chief position.

Jeannie Nicholos points out some of the multi-colored marks on her office wall left by lighting that struck the outside of her home and traveled inside on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett home hit by lightning, catches fire

Family escapes as roof burns; two other homes hit on Camano Island.

Snohomish County sheriff Susanna Johnson swears in colleagues during the ceremonial oath of office at the PUD auditorium in Everett, Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Sheriff, council member elected to lead Snohomish justice council

Dunn and Johnson to co-chair as the council encourages community members to join.

Judge sets $2M bail in 1989 Everett murder case

Joseph Andrew Jacquez pleads not guilty in first court appearance after extradition from Nevada.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.