Mechanical issue delays USS Iwo Jima’s departure for storm relief

US Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) was prevented from sailing out for potential storm Nate relief operations after a mechanical issue tied it to port.

The ship was expected to get underway on October 7, together with amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), but was delayed due to a mechanical issue with the ship’s propulsion system.

The navy said disaster assistance equipment, assets, and personnel assigned to the ship are re-located to be in best position to provide assistance, as required.

USS New York (LPD 21) departed Mayport, Florida, October 7, and headed to the Gulf of Mexico.

The ship is in position to support the gulf coast region in the event assistance is needed following hurricane Nate, which made landfall as a hurricane twice.

Iwo Jima and New York steamed to the Florida Keys in early September to provide immediate assistance in the wake of Hurricane Irma. While on station, sailors and marines worked along the Lower Keys, from Marathon to Key West, clearing debris from roadway, distributing food, water, tarps and blankets, and repairing generators and other critical infrastructure, such as water-pumping stations. The ships returned to Mayport September 19.