Navy image launched today programs Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) resting pier side atNaval Base San Diego [U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jason Waite]
Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three, today launched the complying with declaration:
After 4 days of firefighting, all understood fires have actually been snuffed out aboard USS Bonhomme Richard ( LHD 6).
Our fire groups are exploring every area to validate the lack of fire. Until every area is examined and also there are no energetic fires we will certainly not have the ability to begin any type of main examinations.
We did not recognize the beginning of the fire. We do not recognize the level of the damages. It is prematurely to make any type of forecasts or pledges of what the future of the ship will certainly be.
We can not make any type of verdicts, till the examination is total.
What we do recognize is that take on Sailors from commands all throughout San Diego functioned relentlessly together with Federal Firefighters to obtain this fire snuffed out and also I intend to thank them for their initiatives. This was a Navy teamwork. We had assistance from the air and also sea. Three helicopter armadas carried out greater than 1,500 water pail declines, combating the fire and also cooling down the incredibly framework and also trip deck allowing fire staffs to obtain onboard to eliminate the fire. Tugs additionally gave firefighting assistance from the waterline, cooling down the ship’s hull.
We had 63 employees, 40 UNITED STATE Navy Sailors and also 23 private citizens, dealt with for small injuries consisting of warm fatigue and also smoke breathing. We have actually no employees hospitalized.
The Navy remains to interact with regulatory authorities, area and also state in safeguarding our atmosphere and also preparing to resolve the area’s issues as we progress to the following stage.
I want to thank our companions from state and also area, the UNITED STATE Coast Guard, and also all firms for ongoing assistance.
