Navy Petty Officer Frederick Santos, from Auburn Helps Rescue Fishermen in Philippine Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bobby Northnagle

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea – Sailors stationed on board the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) rendered assistance to a fishing vessel suffering from mechanical difficulties March 25.

Five Filipino nationals had been fishing at sea when their boat’s motor stalled out, and the vessel was taken out by the current, leaving them adrift for three days with no food.

Blue Ridge watchstanders initially could only make out a small boat and a flag, but once the ship was within three nautical miles of the vessel, they noticed it didn’t appear to be moving and several men were inside.

“We thought it was strange to see something in the water, so we slowed down to get a better look,” said Ensign John Li, Blue Ridge officer of the deck during the response. “As we began looking for signs of distress, we noticed someone was waving a white T-shirt, while someone else was waving a flashlight.”

“I could see them jumping up and down trying to get our attention,” said Hospitalman Cassandra Spain, a bystander. “Their boat was being tossed around like a little toy due to the sea state.”

Responding to the men’s need of immediate assistance, Blue Ridge deployed a boarding team via rigid-hulled inflatable boat for a rescue and safely brought the five men on board the ship.

Once on board, Blue Ridge’s medical crew provided basic first aid, showers and a change of clothes. The men were found to be suffering from hypothermia and malnourishment among other ailments.

“These are situations Navy medical professionals are trained for,” said Blue Ridge Medical Officer Lt. Cmdr. Omar Saeed. “Luckily, we were there at the right place and the right time to save a life.”

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"Why Being There Matters"

On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world's oceans give the Navy the power to protect America's interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world's oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America's finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times.

Seattle Native Jimmy Louangsyyotha Serves with Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-122

A 2010 Renton High School graduate and Seattle native is currently serving with the U.S. Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 122, also known as the “Flying Eagles”, stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jimmy Louangsyyotha is an avionics technician with the squadron, which the Navy designates as VFA-122, and works with the Navy’s most lethal and versatile strike fighter aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

“I work on communication, radar, and weapons systems on fighter jets,” said Louangsyyotha.

The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat as well as air-to-surface combat. It is approximately 61 feet long, has a loaded weight of 51,000 lbs., and a max speed of 1,190 miles per hour.

Operating from the sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland, without the need to get another country’s permission to operate within its borders.

“I enjoy the camaraderie here at VFA-122,” said Louangsyyotha.

Louangsyyotha said he is proud of the work he is doing as part of the squadron’s 1140-member team, helping to protect America on the world’s oceans.

“My job is vital because we are the ‘eyes’, ‘ears’, and ‘fingers’ of the jets,” said Louangsyyotha.

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied in VFA-122. Approximately 220 officers, 660 enlisted and 260 civilian men and women make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly — this includes everything from maintaining aircraft airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft.

“The Sailors here are the epitome of a team,” said Cmdr. Ernie Spence, VFA-122’s commanding officer. “Everyone here is professional, skilled in their job, and they are great team players which enables us to accomplish our mission.”

The Flying Eagles are the Navy’s West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. They train aircrew and maintainers to prepare them to go to the fleet and join the squadrons that fly the Super Hornet. VFA-122 trained aircrews have flown combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.

“The Navy gives me the opportunity to travel, work on jets, and build new friendships,” said Louangsyyotha.