Guardians,
This has been an extraordinary week in Haiti and back at home. Throughout the hemisphere cutters have diverted, personnel have been recalled, planes have sorties, staff personnel have packed up and headed south, support staffs have "made it happen," and HQ staffs have fanned out across Washington to attend interagency meetings.
Our units who were first on scene evacuated the injured, controlled aircraft movements, provided comms relays, and put shore teams into situations no one is trained for. In the past week Guardians in Haiti have saved countless lives, rescued injured citizens, rendered first aid, and assisted medical teams. They have been caring and compassionate, professional and effective, responsive and adaptive.
I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of thanks and gratitude from our senior leadership, interagency partners, and joint brothers and sisters in arms. We know the job is far from over and the most difficult tasks likely lie ahead.
I have read emails from non-rates, petty officers, and chiefs who have openly described what could only be referred to as life changing events that they have witnessed and been part of.
We will continue to respond to alleviate suffering and saves lives, assist in the recovery, and bring our unique skills and competencies to the interagency, joint, coalition team that is on the ground in Haiti.
Continue to lean forward ...
ADM A
