Routine Support is Not Always Routine

This week, and especially today, we have been having more problems with the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBS). These are the boats that we bring people and supplies ashore with every day. We have 4 of them, and the auxiliaries division is responsible for keeping them in good working order. The boats were not intended to be driven as long and hard as they are every day. Additionally, we face many challenges running them inshore to Haiti because of all the trash in the water that gets sucked up. Today I spent all day contacting other ships trying to get parts to fix the steering system and water jet buckets on 2 different RHIBS. 2 of the boats are loaner RHIBS that did not come with the proper spare parts. This evening I pulled out plastic trash bags from the exhaust system. I am very proud of my division for the long hours they have spent fixing and refueling these boats all day and often into the early hours of the morning.