The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transferred 277 persons in distressed to the Armed Forces of Malta offshore patrol vessel P61. Bataan and USS Elrod (FFG 55) rendered assistance to persons in distress and provided food, water, medical attention, and temporary shelter to 282 persons after receiving a report that an Italian military marine patrol aircraft sighted six small vessels, one of which was sinking.  Bataan, with elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region.  (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Michael J. Lieberknecht/Released)
Michael Lieberknecht
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