Description:
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 6, 2014) The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transferred 277 persons in distress to the Armed Forces of Malta offshore patrol vessel P61. Bataan and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate 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 and elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are 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 1st Class RJ Stratchko/Released)
