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Navy Ship Clears the Way for US Navy Philippines Relief Operation

PHILIPPINE SEA, Nov. 17, 2013 – The USNS Bowditch oceanographic survey ship was first on scene off the coast of Tacloban, Republic of the Philippines, ensuring safe sea lanes in order for the George Washington Strike Group to assist the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in support of Operation Damayan. Bowditch serves as an oceanographic sampling platform for surface, mid-water and ocean floor data collection. When a significant storm event passes through an area, surveys of this nature are required to confirm bottom features and identify navigational hazards. The ship has been performing acoustical, biological, physical and geophysical surveys in the off-shore waters of the Philippines since Typhoon Haiyan struck. “Bowditch has been a fantastic member of the strike group because in the wake of a major disaster like this, especially in an area that is known for shifting sands, it’s important that we get a very accurate description of the topographic levels of the ocean so that we can safely place our relief-assistance ships, typically the amphibious ships as they get close to shore,” said Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, commander of the George Washington Strike Group. “Bowditch was nearly first on scene and has been working the Leyte Gulf aggressively, and she’ll be wrapping up in the next 24 to 36 hours,” Montgomery said. “A very impressive work ethic displayed by Bowditch has contributed significantly to the overall success of the maritime component of this disaster relief mission.” http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121156