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Navy vessel delivers supplies to the Northern Islands
The USNS Vadm K.R. Wheeler delivered supplies to the Northern Islands yesterday, Sunday, according to Northern Islands Mayor Jerome Aldan.
Supplies that were delivered included two 16-foot fishing boats for Pagan’s fishing community and some loose cargo such as food and building materials.
Aldan said the Wheeler left on March 14 before Typhoon Bavi closed in on Saipan and was expected to arrive yesterday morning on Pagan Island.
Aldan met with the Wheeler’s captain, John Mansfield, on March 3 after giving Aldan and his staff, Lorraine Castro, a tour of the ship. Mansfield told Aldan that they could distribute supplies to the Northern Islands since the Wheeler was heading north.
The Wheeler is designed to tow 1,000-foot long ships and has a firefighting capability with two fire monitors that pump 6,000 gallons of water per minute. It is also equipped with five cranes, two twin jet drive launch boats, two amphibious boats, and a single jet drive boat.
Mansfield assured Aldan that Wheeler wouldn’t have a problem making the trip, despite Typhoon Bavi already being felt in the CNMI.
Aldan said he was humbled and is grateful to Mansfield for his assistance, considering the Northern Islands Mayor’s Office’s limited funds.
“I can’t thank Capt. John and his crew enough in affording us this opportunity. The office would save a lot on the service that the Wheeler would be providing to the Northern Islands Mayor’s Office and the residents of the Northern Islands,” Aldan said.
“I am sure that the residents of the Northern Islands would truly appreciate the humanitarian assistance provided by Capt. John on the Wheeler. I also want to thank [Associate] Judge David Wisemen for introducing me to Capt. John that initiated the conversation between him and Capt. John,” he added.
Aldan also thanked Commander Robert Rochford of the MPSRON 3 squadron, where the Wheeler and Fast Tempo vessels are assigned.
“He was very supportive of this idea and backed it 100 percent and Rochford also wants to do what he can to assist all the people in the CNMI and forge good relations. Every help or any help that we get is a big help to us,” he said.
Aldan hopes the partnership would continue whenever the Wheeler is on Saipan.
