The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) is scheduled to arrive at Naval Base San Diego today, on April 9 following the rescue of a family with a sick infant on a disabled sailboat approximately 1,300 miles south of San Diego.
Namely, on April 6 a team from the 129th RQW parachuted to drifting Rebel Heart sailing vessel, to render medical assistance to a seriously ill 1-year-old infant. The vessel had experienced an engine malfunction and lost all communications.
The frigate will make a previously scheduled stop at Naval Air Station North Island to load ordnance. The family has requested to disembark at that time to proceed to their family physician.
Vandegrift will proceed to Naval Base San Diego once the ship has completed loading ordnance.
[mappress] Press Release, April 9, 2014, Image: Wikimedia