2004-2005 - Thailand (Operation Unified Assistance)

Following the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on December 26, 2004, the U.S. military responded with a humanitarian relief effort. The U.S. Navy dispatched Carrier Strike Group 9, led by USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) for assistance to the coast of Sumatra and to the Indonesian province of Aceh. USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) led an expeditionary strike group to add in the assisstance. For those in medical need, USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) was deployed. The operation ended when Mercy departed in April 2005.

Some other assisting ships: USS Shiloh (CG-67), USS Shoup (DDG-86), USS Benfold (DDG-65), USS Rainer (T-AOE-7), USS Duluth (LPD-6), USS Millus (DDG-69), USS Rushmore (LSD-47), USS Thatch (FFG-43), USS Pasadena (SSN-752), USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) and USS Essex (LHD-2).



