US Warship Answers Persian Gulf Help Call

Guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) renders medical assistance to Panamanian-flagged, bulk carrier M/V Belde.

Winston S. Churchill responded to a distress call following a cargo-handling accident aboard Belde.



The destroyer dispatched two rigid-hull inflatable boats, transporting the ship's hospital corpsman, and the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team to assess the injured personnel.

One Belde crew member was killed in the accident and another required advanced medical care for injuries sustained.


Winston S. Churchill conducted a medical evacuation, transporting the injured crew member by an SH-60B helicopter attached to Helicopter Squadron Light 42, Detachment 8, to an Oman medical facility for treatment.


"There are a multitude of hazards in the maritime domain. As such, we are always ready to assist," said Cmdr. Christopher D. Stone, Churchill commanding officer. "Our sympathies go out to those affected by this tragic incident. We, as partners in the maritime commons, are always ready and willing to help and are glad that we were in the right place at the right time to lend a hand." 


Winston S. Churchill is assigned to Commander, Task Force 150, as part of Combined Maritime Forces, conducting counter-terrorism and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.