Rescue at Sea

USS Joseph Strauss DDG 16

July 15, 1980

Click on photos to view full size. Use your browser's back button to return to this page.

34.3 KB
Small craft is spotted in South China Sea
A P-3 flies over the refugee craft (black smudge in lower left corner) as the boat is first spotted.

34.4 KB
The Approach
The craft stands in the wake of the Strauss as DDG-16 makes her final approach.

32.4 KB
 Manning the Rails
Description: Shipmates man the stern rails of the Strauss as preparations are made to bring the boat people aboard.

39.8 KB
The Approach
Ops Boss LTJG Mark Barber watches the Strauss carefully makes an approach on the overloaded craft.

33.7 KB
The Boat
The stricken craft is overloaded with 43 Vietnamese refugees.

32.6 KB
Happy faces
Description: The boat people are in good spirits just before being brought alongside DDG-16.

37.4 KB
BM1 Wissinger
 BM1 earns his pay

38.6 KB
BM1 again
Boats Wissinger directs the Strauss deck force in securing the refugee craft alongside the starboard quarterdeck.

39.7 KB
 Craft secured
Craft is secured on starboard side

30.5 KB
Boarding
The Strauss crew helps the refugees board the ship.

31.3 KB
Medical attention
Crew begins to administer medical aid

33.6 KB
OSC Carlos Bowmar
Chief Bowmar questions some of the boat people after they board the Smokin' Joe.

Page 1 of 2