The Haitian Disaster
Jan/100
As the entire world joins together in assisting our fellow human beings with the
devastation in Haiti, the U.S. Navy is among the first responders with the
capabilities unique to the Super Carrier. USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was
dispatched to the area, bringing her awesome capabilities in support of this
massive humanitarian effort.
A Naval Air Crewman from the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) returns to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) after delivering supplies to the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913) off the coast of Haiti.
Portland is Vulnerable
Portland is vulnerable to earthquakes according to the website for the Cascade
Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW) in conjunction with a FAQ by the Oregon
Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. 1
There is a definite earthquake hazard in Oregon, though the State has escaped
the ‘big one’ so far, it is at risk. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that we
are poorly prepared, exposing ourselves to major damage and potential injury
and death. Research after the Scotts Mills and Klamath Falls earthquakes in 1993
confirm the risk.
Local earthquakes are most common in the Portland metropolitan area,
northern Willamette Valley, and Klamath Falls area and may threaten the coast
from Coos Bay south to Brookings. We simply do not know about the risk of local
earthquakes in most other parts of Western Oregon. All of Oregon west of the
Cascades is at risk from subduction-zone earthquakes. These are caused by
crustal plates sliding past each other. The amount of earthquake damage at
any place will depend on its distance from the epicenter, local soil conditions,
and types of construction. These earthquakes occur, on average, every 300-600
years, and the most recent was about 300 years ago.
Top Gun to the Rescue
When USS Ranger was an active part of the fleet, she was known as The Lone
Ranger for her ability to ride to the rescue. Our theme song as we pulled into
port was the William Tell Overture, and we even had a crewmember dressed in
costume complete with six-shooters on the flight deck letting the good guys
know they could rest easy as Ranger was on scene and could handle anything.
Disaster Preparedness
Though she can no longer ride to the rescue in faraway places, Ranger can
provide much of the support and capabilities as her active duty siblings.
Positioned in the Willamette River, she can function in the event of damage to
the airport and port similar to what we are seeing in Port Au Prince. Her four and
a half acre flight deck is capable of helicopter operations. Her vast hangar deck
can position massive amounts of relief supplies and protection from the
elements. Huge fuel tanks have already been cleaned and sealed and could
stage clean water. Emergency generators can be put aboard to generate
electricity. With portable sanitation facilities, she can provide emergency shelter.
A communications suite aboard would provide vital services in the event of a
natural or man-made disaster. The list of possibilities is endless.
More Normal Times
Though no one wants to think about the unthinkable, the fact is the Boy Scout
motto of ‘Be Prepared’ is always applicable. With Ranger anchoring a venue
that is a civic center, special events site, tourist attraction, museum, memorial
and more, she can play an important role as part of the special place we call
Portland – metro.
How Can You Help
Bringing Ranger to the Pacific Northwest is what the Navy refers to as an ‘All
Hands” evolution. This means we need everyone to do their part. The USS
Ranger Foundation needs your support. Whether you have special talents or
experience or can donate any amount, you can be part of this exciting and
necessary effort.
You can donate by clicking on the Donate button on the right, or mail your donation to:
USS Ranger Foundation-1505 Gideon St.-Portland, OR 97202.
A Final Word
May God bless and protect our troops as they perform their humanitarian work,
and bring comfort to those in Haiti who are suffering.
Larry Schmuhl, Program Manager
1 http://www.crew.org/region/or.html
Interesting Facts
Jan/100
Flyover Ranger
This project has so many interesting facets and much to learn. Many questions are asked over and over-these questions will be posted along with answers. If you have a question about the project that you think others want to know, send it to rangerinfo@ussranger.org and we will try to post the answer.
For what use can a donated ship be used?
The DoD Defense Material Disposition Manual 4160.21-M, Chapter 6 requires that all vessels donated under 10 USC 7306 be used as static displays for use as museums or memorials and cannot be activated for the purpose of navigation or movement under its own power.
Is the donee allowed to operate the vessel?
No. The donee is not allowed to operate/sail the vessel under its own power.
Who makes the decision to donate the vessel?
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development and Acquisition, makes the decision to donate vessels.
Flyover
