So the Grasp is already there

[nadinbrzezinski]

and they might be able to get that port back up and running SOON. three days... that would be really good.

But they are now assessing it.

[Captain Hilts]

1. GRASP does some amazing stuff. nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. I know... they will have that port back and up

in 48-72 hours if the damage was not that bad.

If it was... a week.

And that is one of those special capabilities that very few nations have.

[Captain Hilts]

3. I think they found Challenger parts. They're based at Little Creek Amphib Base near

where I used to live.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Well the Russians used to do it, not sure anymore

and the brits and the french have it, after that... no, not really.

But I expect the usual posts from the usual parties, you know.

[NYC_SKP]

5. The USS Grasp (picture), and other vessels there or on the way...

Image of the USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51) working over site of TWA 800 crash:



The salvage ship Grasp with embarked FBI dive team arrived Sunday to assist in port restoration. Navy divers from Virginia arrived Saturday. In addition, the Oceanographic research ship Henson will come through the Panama Canal Sunday and arrive in Haiti Wednesday. It will be joined by the research ship Sumner two days later. Together, they will check the disruption of channels and survey the ocean floor.


Other ships participating include:

The carrier Carl Vinson and destroyer Higgins, which are on station.

The frigate Underwood and cruiser Normandy, which arrived Saturday.

The replenishment oiler Big Horn, which arrived Sunday.

The dock landing ship Gunston Hall, originally tasked to deploy to Africa Partnership Station, was diverted and will arrive Monday. The amphibious assault ship Bataan and dock landing ships Fort McHenry and Carter Hall along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit will arrive Tuesday.

Guided missile cruiser Bunker Hill will arrive Wednesday. Dry cargo ships Sacagawea and 1st LT Jack Lummus will arrive Friday and Saturday, respectively. Navy P-3 also Orions are conducting aerial surveys and various units are providing assistance with sea-based helicopters.

http://www.navytimes.com/news/2010/01/navy_haiti_011710/

[The Wielding Truth]

6. This explains what Grasp is.

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50601

Grasp, a Military Sealift Command (MSC) rescue and salvage vessel, began dive operations with embarked U.S. Army's 544th Engineer Dive Team to assess the damage to the port facilities in order to reopen them for operations, allowing relief supplies and personnel additional access to provide aid.